Morocco: Authorities Must Ensure Prominent Journalist Soulaiman Raissouni a Fair Trial and Release Him Pending the Outcome of His Appeals
PEN believes that journalist Soulaiman Raissouni is being targeted for his writings following an unfair trial, putting his health at risk. More
Turkey: Charges Against Kurdish PEN Member Must Be Dropped
PEN is deeply concerned for the well-being of Kurdish PEN member, writer and poet Meral Şimşek, who is facing up to 20 years on two separate charges. PEN believes… More
Azerbaijan: Serious Concern for Health of Journalist Elchin Mammad
PEN is deeply concerned for the health of reporter, lawyer, and human rights defender Elchin Mammad, who is serving a four-year prison sentence on trumped-up charges of theft and… More
SIGN NOW: Demand Burbank Schools Reinstate Banned Books
We the undersigned object to the news that several books dealing with the subject of race in America have been temporarily banned within Burbank public school classes. More
Uganda: Drop All Charges against Kakwenza Rukirabashaija
PEN condemns the unlawful arrest and detention of Ugandan novelist and journalist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija. He was arrested on the morning of September 18, 2020 at his home in Iganga… More
NYC Literary Action Coalition
The NYC Literary Action Coalition aims to create an activism network of NYC-based literary members to build the community’s capacity to mobilize on behalf of free expression and social… More
Cuba: Immediately Release Poet and Journalist Roberto de Jesús Quiñones Haces
PEN calls for the immediate and unconditional release of poet, lawyer and independent journalist Roberto de Jesús Quiñones Haces. In April 2019, he was detained while he was covering… More
United Against Hate: A Statement of Solidarity
We, the undersigned, call on everyday citizens to join us in standing in solidarity with all those targeted by hate during COVID-19. More
Mayor De Blasio: Expand COVID19 relief funding to NYC’s literary arts community
We, members of the literary community in New York City, call on you to ensure writers and the literary arts organizations who support them are provided meaningful support. 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
Alert Us
Are you an artist at risk or know someone who is?
PEN America On 
Bad news from Mississippi today, where the state senate passed an educational gag order that applies to all public universities and K-12 schools. Among other things, the bill could threaten recognition of the Black Law Students Association at the University of Mississippi.
We have just learned the Myanmar military have sentenced Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zayar Thaw to death for alleged anti-coup activities.
https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/democracy-veteran-ko-jimmy-and-former-nld-mp-phyo-zayar-thaw-sentenced-to-death
Oh, I’ve been waiting for this little gift for a bit now. Here’s a sneak peek for the rest of you! @PENamerica #reginalddwaynebetta #prisonwriting
2