Attack on BBC Crew Reflects Threat to Foreign Journalists in China
The assault and coerced confession of a BBC camera crew in rural China is a violation of clearly established rules allowing journalists to travel and report freely in the… More
Russian Authorities Raid Home of Human Rights Activist Zoya Svetova
Today’s raid on the home of Russian activist and journalist Zoya Svetova is another attempt by Russian authorities to intimidate and silence independent human right defenders. More
Crimean Journalist Mykola Semena in Need of Urgent Medical Care While Under House Arrest
All charges should be dropped against Mykola Semena, a Ukrainian journalist on trial for “separatism” after criticizing the Russian annexation of Crimea, and he should be allowed to travel… More
China: Suspension of Feminist Social Media Another Example of “Zero Tolerance”
NEW YORK—The suspension of a feminist group’s social media accounts underscores China’s “zero tolerance” policy for free speech and human rights, said PEN America in a statement today. On February… More
White House Barring of Major Media Outlets “Does Grave Disservice to the American People”
The President’s worries over negative news coverage cannot outweigh his duty to the American people. More
2017 PEN America Literary Awards Celebrate Books that Transcend Borders
CONTACT Literary Awards: [email protected] Sarah Edkins, Director of Communications: +1.646.779.4830, [email protected] NEW YORK--PEN America today announced the winners of its 2017 Literary Awards, including playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, whose life… More
65 Leading Writers Call on Trump to Halt Visa Ban
Sixty of the most prominent names in literature have sent a joint letter with PEN America to President Donald Trump today, urging him not to impose a new immigration… More
PEN World Voices Festival: Gender and Power
New York, NY (February 16, 2017) –The thirteenth annual PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature will focus its lens on today’s fractious relationship between gender and power. Taking… More
Fears for Chinese Poet Liu Xia’s Life After Troubling Phone Call to Friend
Reports that Chinese poet Liu Xia, who is spending her seventh year under house without charge, has made rare and risky contact with a fellow writer to lament her… More
PEN America to Honor Stephen Sondheim with Literary Service Award, Presented by Meryl Streep, at Annual Literary Gala
Stephen Sondheim will receive the PEN/Allen Foundation Literary Service Award, presented by actress Meryl Streep, at PEN America's Literary Gala on April 25. John Sargent, CEO of MacMillan Books,… More