China

Focus Region

The Chinese government is the world’s leading jailer of writers and public intellectuals. Writers, journalists, bloggers, and creative artists face censorship, harassment, imprisonment, and enforced disappearance because of their… More

Russian Independent Media Archive

Focus Issue

The Russian Independent Media Archive is preserving the last two decades  of independent Russian journalism, guarding this irreplaceable historical record against erasure. More

Eurasia

Focus Region

While some countries in Eurasia have seen democratic progress, in others authoritarian regimes continue to crack down on independent free expression. More

people hold signs with messages of solidarity with Ukraine with free expression in Ukraine overlay text

Ukraine

Focus Region

We stand in solidarity with our PEN Ukraine colleagues and all the writers, artists, and people of Ukraine as they seek to defend their rights and their democracy.  More

A man looking at shelves of books at a bookstore in Myanmar; on top: “Free Expression in Myanmar”

Myanmar

Focus Region

Myanmar’s threats and challenges to free expression serve as an alarming backdrop to the dramatic escalation of human rights abuses carried out by the military junta. More

People visiting the Tomb of Hafez, a famous Iranian poet, in the town of Shiraz; on top: “Free Expression in Iran”

Iran

Focus Region

Despite its rich cultural and literary traditions, Iran is among the world’s most restrictive countries for freedom of expression. More

United States

Advocacy Campaign

The United States proudly stands as a haven for free expression at home and a champion of free speech abroad. PEN America works to ensure that the United States… More

Lina and Walid Al-Hathloul holding signs at the 2019 PEN America Literary Gala in New York

Saudi Arabia

Advocacy Campaign

PEN America's Saudi Arabia advocacy focuses on ensuring justice for Jamal Khashoggi’s murder and calling for the release of imprisoned writers. More

Protest in Turkey

Turkey

Advocacy Campaign

Following an attempted coup in July 2016, the climate for free expression in Turkey has dramatically deteriorated. PEN America’s advocacy centers on writers and journalists who are in detention… More

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