Texas: Whitewashed Textbooks Headed to Classrooms
New social studies textbooks being used in Texas public school classrooms this fall barely address racial segregation—nor do they mention Jim Crow laws throughout American history, or the existence… More
Syrian Activist and Writer Mazen Darwish Released Uncondtionally
PEN warmly congratulates Syrian activist, journalist and winner of the 2014 PEN Pinter Prize for international writer of courage Mazen Darwish and his colleagues from the Syrian Center for… More
1000 Lashes: Because I Say What I Think
"When I look within, I only see that thin man who miraculously withstood fifty lashes, while a group of people celebrated his pain, repeatedly chanting Allahu Akbar. All for… More
Conviction of Al-Jazeera Reporters Marks Rapid Decline in Free Expression in Egypt
The conviction and sentencing of Al Jazeera journalists Mohamed Fahmy, Peter Greste, and Baher Mohamed this week punctuate a rapid decline for free expression in Egypt since the military… More
Joint Letter Condemning Khadija Ismayilova’s Sentencing
Our joint letter with Sport for Rights condemning the sentencing of Khadija Ismayilova to a staggering 7.5 years in jail. More
In Blow to Independent Media, Azerbaijan Sentences Ismayilova to 7 1/2 Years
Ismayilova was convicted on charges of criminal libel, tax evasion, illegal business activity, and abuse of power. During the trial, not a single witness testified against Ismayilova in court. More
PEN Calls for Immediate Release of Vice News Journalists Detained in Turkey
English PEN, PEN American Center, PEN International and PEN Turkey are extremely concerned about the detention of four VICE News journalists in Turkey and call on the Turkish authorities… More
Khadija Ismayilova’s Final Statement
"Yes, I might be in prison, but the work will continue," Khadija Ismayilova declared during her final statement today in the court case against her. Read it in full… More
Joint Letter Calling on Bahrain to Release Abduljalil al-Singace
Bahraini prisoner of conscience Dr Abduljalil al-Singace today hits a milestone 160 days of hunger strike as rights organisations appeal for his freedom. Forty-one international NGOs today released an… More
PEN Condemns the Senseless Killings of Alison Parker and Adam Ward
PEN American Center condemns the senseless killings of reporter Alison Parker and photojournalist Adam Ward of Virginia’s WDBJ7 news station, who were shot to death this morning during a… More