Rising Restrictions on Artistic Freedom in Africa Linked to Political Crises, Flawed Elections and Covid
“Over the last few years in Africa, we have witnessed disturbing attacks on artists from around the continent, accompanied by widespread and pernicious efforts to dampen the right to… More
Mohamed Cheikh ould Mohamed Mkhaïtir
In 2014, Mkhaïtr was sentenced to death for writing an article, in which he argued that Muaritania's caste system was not justified by the teachings of the prophet Mohammed.… More
PEN America: Release of Blogger in Mauritania “Long-Overdue Victory”
“The conviction and lengthy imprisonment of Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkhaitir was unjust from the very start and it is promising to see that the outgoing government made the decision… More
Joint letter requesting immediate release of blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkhaitir in Mauritania
President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz Islamic Republic of Mauritania Ministère du Secrétariat Général à la Présidence Nouakchott, Mauritania Your Excellency : We, the undersigned non-governmental organizations, urge you to ensure the immediate release of Mohamed… More
Mauritania: Blogger still detained one year after court decision quashing his death sentence
JOINT STATEMENT Although authorities should have released him in November 2017, Mohamed Mkhaïtir is still being detained in an undisclosed location His physical and mental health is deteriorating as a… More
Mauritania: President must ensure that blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mohamed regain his freedom
This joint letter was sent to the Mauritanian President on December 6, 2017. Dear President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, We, the undersigned international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), ask you to ensure that blogger… More
Mauritanian Blogger Released from Prison
NEW YORK—PEN America welcomes the release of blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkheitir in Mauritania after more than three years behind bars. Mkheitir was condemned to death in 2014 for apostasy. The… More
Mauritania: Publishing and rights groups demand justice for imprisoned blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkheitir
This letter was sent by the International Publishers Association and additional signatories, including PEN America, to the Mauritanian authorities in their respective countries. Mauritania: Publishing and rights groups demand justice for… More
Open Letter: President Abdel Aziz, Protect the Safety of Blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mohamed
On November 11th, PEN America joined with other concerned groups focused on free expression in publishing and sending an open letter to President Abdel Aziz of the Islamic Republic… More
Editor Held Illegally Given Second Prison Sentence on Same Charges
International PEN strongly protests the two-year prison sentence handed to online newspaper editor Hanevy Ould Dehah on February 4, 2010, for allegedly violating public decency, inciting revolt and “criminal… More
Support for the freedom to read with exclusive designs by Todd Parr, Mike Curato, Art Spiegelman, and more!
