Writers at Risk Database

Nguyen Xuan Nghia

A poet, novelist, and founder of the banned democracy movement known as Bloc 8406, Nguyen was arrested in 2008 following the publication of Manifesto on Freedom and Democracy in… More

Kudakwashe Bwititi

Bwititi was arrested alongside co-filmwriter Tendai Maduwa after a screening of their film The Lord of Kush. The film tells the story of a clash of cultures between Islamic… More

Mbizo Chirasha

Writer and human rights activist Chirasha has faced multiple attacks, including kidnapping attempts and electrocution, and threats on his life for his work exposing corruption within the Zimbabwean government.… More

Tendai Maduwa

Director and producer Maduwa was arrested alongside co-filmwriter Kudakwashe Bwititi after a screening of their fim The Lord of Kush. The film tells the story of a clash of… More

Writers at Risk Database

Pavel Sheremet

An internationally lauded journalist and opinion writer, Sheremet was killed in a car bomb explosion in Kyiv in April 2016. He was a longtime critic of Belarus President Aleksander… More

İbrahim Gökçek Grup Yorum

Gökçek was a member of activist folk band Grup Yorum. From the band’s inception, its critical songs have angered the Turkish state, and members have faced severe threats. Released… More

İhsan Cibelik Grup Yorum

Cibelik is a member of activist collective and band Grup Yorum. Since the band’s inception, its critical songs have angered the Turkish government and members have faced serious threats.… More

Barış Yüksel Grup Yorum

Yüksel is a member of controversial activist collective and band Grup Yorum. In May 2019, Yüksel started a hunger strike and was released from prison in February 2020. In… More

Writers at Risk Database

Xu Zhiyong

Xu, a noted essayist and public intellectual, had for decades advocated for good governance and citizen engagement through his writing. In February 2020, he was detained amid a crackdown… More

Tran Vu Anh Binh Hoang Nhat Thong

Binh was convicted in 2012 and sentenced to five years in prison for the content of his songs, which advocate for human rights and denounce social injustice and abuse… More