PEN America Applauds Sentencing Decision in James A. Wolfe Case and Judge’s Defense of Sources
“The District Court was right to reject the prosecution’s request for extra prison time, a sentencing decision that highlights it is not a crime for government officials to maintain relationships with… More
Stifling of Texas Speech Pathologist’s Right to Political Boycott a Clear Violation of the Constitution
“Regardless of the merits of such boycotts, a system that penalizes people for expression of political beliefs is at odds with the protections afforded in the Constitution. The cases… More
PEN America Mourns Meng Lang, “Exquisite Poet, Courageous Activist”
"Meng Lang was an exquisite poet, a publisher and promoter of the work of colleagues, a courageous activist, and a strong believer in freedom and human dignity. If literature and… More
Detention of Writer Ibrahim al-Husseini a Grievous Attack on Free Expression in Egypt
“While attacks on individual free expression in today's Egypt are nothing new, the detention and ill treatment of an elderly writer for his online comments is a disgrace,” said Karin Deutsch Karlekar, Director… More
Disappearance of Photographer Lu Guang a Troubling Attack on Artistic Freedom in China
"Unfortunately, Lu’s case is not unique. The Chinese government has a history of disappearing artists who use their practices as a platform to challenge and critique the regime’s policies.… More
House of Representatives Calls for Immediate Release of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo
“The trial proceedings against Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo confirmed clearly that they were framed for uncovering the true story behind the massacre of 10 Rohingya… More
The Year of the Woman in Literature: Longlists for 2019 PEN America Literary Awards Announced
"With a record number of submissions to our Awards, including from small, medium, and large presses, the competition for this year’s awards is more intense than ever." More
Human Rights Groups Urge Google CEO to Discontinue Project Dragonfly
"If Dragonfly is launched in China, it will represent Google's elevation of profits over human rights. But more painfully, it will make Google complicit in the Chinese government's efforts… More
Including Language from Anti-Semitism Awareness Act in Government Spending Bill a Misguided Approach to Fighting Hate on Campus
"In the face of a recent surge of anti-Semitism on campuses, lawmakers rightly feel compelled to stand firmly against anti-Semitism, as well as other forms of hateful speech. Adopting this definition of… More
Arrest of 11 Cuban Artists an Intolerable Affront to Free Expression
“This repression is not new, but represents a continuation of the Cuban Ministry of Culture’s policy to intimidate and censor critical and independent artistic voices” - Julie Trébault, Director… More