Egyptian Writer Detained for Protesting Prison Conditions That Could Worsen COVID-19 Spread
The arrest of Ahdaf Soueif and her family is an egregious attack on free expression. More egregiously, it shows the Egyptian government’s reflexive response to the coronavirus pandemic is… More
China’s Smear of Mario Vargas Llosa an Attempt to Silence Criticism
The Chinese government’s attacks on Mario Vargas Llosa should be seen for what they are: an attempt to dismiss valid criticism of their handling of the coronavirus by smearing… More
China Expels U.S. Journalists
(New York, NY) – The Chinese government announced today it would expel U.S. journalists working for The New York Times, Washington Post, and other outlets. Suzanne Nossel, CEO of… More
Dissident Cuban Artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara Freed After 13 Days in Jail
“We are overjoyed to learn that Luis Manuel has been freed from jail and will be able to reunite with his friends and family and return to his work." More
PEN America Cancels 2020 World Voices Festival: These Truths Due to COVID-19
We come to this conclusion with heavy hearts but the threat of COVID 19 is a truth we cannot deny and that makes this Festival, as planned, impossible. More
Senate Should Not Rush Intelligence Bill Passage
The USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020 is the perfect chance to pass much needed reform safeguarding America’s right to privacy. More
Charges Must Be Dropped Against Ugandan Filmmaker and Journalist
“The charges against Bwayo Moses are undoubtedly part of the Ugandan ruling regime’s mounting crackdown on freedom of expression, particularly aimed at anyone who seems to be criticizing the… More
Classifying Coronavirus Deliberations Withholds Critical Information from Americans
(Washington, DC) – The classification of coronavirus response meetings and information by the White House constitutes a severe blow to the public’s right to know and ability to have… More
Myanmar: Poet and PEN Member Facing Imprisonment for Defaming the Military
PEN is deeply concerned by the ongoing prosecution of poet and PEN member, Saw Wai, who stands accused of defaming the military under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code,… More
Threat to Arrest Those Who Spread Disinformation About Coronavirus Likely Unconstitutional
(New York) – On Tuesday, the public safety director of Newark, New Jersey warned that people who spread disinformation about the coronavirus could be criminally prosecuted. PEN America’s Nora… More