Power to the People Requires Press Defense
We can do a better job of demonstrating how persistent journalism directly affects community change…here are a few ways reporters have used human stories to bring about substantive action. More
Bahrain: Human Rights Activist Nabeel Rajab’s Conviction for “False News” an Unjust and Chilling Result
The charges against Rajab are an appalling demonstration of Bahrain’s hostile attitude toward criticism and toward any human rights advocacy that it sees as unflattering to the government. More
RUSSIA: Conviction of librarian must be quashed
On June 5, 2017, Natalia Sharina, former Director of the state-run Library of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow, was found guilty of "incitement of hatred" towards Russian people and "embezzlement"… More
Liu Xiaobo Must be Allowed to Seek Treatment Abroad
NEW YORK--In response to the statement from Western medical experts that it is safe to transport Liu Xiaobo abroad for cancer treatment, PEN America Executive Director Suzanne Nossel released… More
A New Ordeal for Egyptian Writer Ahmed Naji
This travel ban, which apparently remains in place despite Naji's conviction having been overturned, adds insult to injury. More
United Arab Emirates (UAE): Arbitrary detention of prominent writer and human rights defender reaches three months
Ahmed Mansoor al-Shehhi (أحمد منصور الشحي), a 47 year-old Emirati citizen, was reportedly arrested by dozens of uniformed security agents who broke into his home in the city of Ajman.… More
CHINA: Writer and Nobel laureate released from prison on medical grounds
PEN is gravely concerned for the health of dissident writer, Independent Chinese PEN Center (ICPC) member and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Liu Xiaobo, following news of his diagnosis of… More
July Featured Case: Chen Yunfei
Chen Yunfei is a performance artist who works at the intersection of human rights activism and art. His art is overtly political, intending to promote the Chinese pro-democracy movement. More
An Urgent Appeal for Liu Xiaobo
We write to express our concern over the health condition of Liu Xiaobo…and to ask you to ensure his unrestricted freedom as he undergoes medical treatment. More
HONDURAS: PEN Honduras Member Convicted at Sentencing Court
On Wednesday June 7, 2017, Cesario Alejandro Félix Padilla Figueroa, a member of PEN Honduras, was found guilty of the crime of "usurpation" at the National Autonomous University of… More