Death Penalty Replaced with Jail Time, Flogging for Poet Ashraf Fayadh
A long jail term and brutal flogging sentence handed down by Saudi Arabia today to Ashraf Fayadh extends the injustice against the esteemed poet. More
Ta-Nehisi Coates, Marilynne Robinson Among Finalists for 2016 PEN Literary Awards
NEW YORK—PEN America today announced the shortlists for the 2016 PEN Literary Awards, including finalists for the coveted PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Fiction. Writers Mia Alvar, Angela… More
PEN America to Honor J.K. Rowling, Hachette CEO Michael Pietsch at Annual Literary Gala
Through her writing, Rowling engenders imagination, empathy, humor, and a love of reading, along the way revealing moral choices that help us understand ourselves. More
Release of Washington Post Reporter Won’t Close the Book on Free Expression in Iran
As we celebrate Jason’s homecoming, we need to redouble pressure on Tehran to uphold the rights of Iranians who suffer for expressing their opinions. More
Ulitskaya Leads PEN America Delegation to Explore Narrowing of Russia’s Cultural Freedoms as 25th Anniversary of USSR Dissolution Looms
On January 25–29, PEN America will host a delegation of prominent Russian writers who are braving the currents of authoritarianism under President Vladimir Putin to stand up for free… More
Russia: Authorities Burn Books in Act Reminiscent of Totalitarian Regimes of the Past
Reports that Russian authorities in the Komi region have burned over 50 books and pulled over 400 more off college library bookshelves are a deeply disturbing sign of Russia’s… More
Iran: Another Poet’s Arrest Signals Creation of Repressive Blueprint for Free Expression
The arrest of poet Hila Sedighi in Tehran this week marks an acceleration in Iran’s crackdown on provocative cultural figures as the country prepares for elections next month. More
Joint Statement: PEN Joins Call Asking World Leaders to Support Strong Encryption
Today PEN American Center joined 195 experts, companies, and organizations in more than 35 countries in asking world leaders to support strong encryption and to reject any law, policy,… More
PEN Expert Available for Comment on Anniversary of Charlie Hebdo Attacks
Escalating efforts to narrow the space for free expression in 2015 give increasing relevance to writers, artists, and human rights organizations on the front lines of the battle to… More
Hong Kong: Disappearances of 5 Associated with Publisher Furthers Concerns about Free Expression
The mysterious disappearances of five men associated with a Hong Kong publisher known for its scathing exposés of Chinese officials drive increasing concern for the fading autonomy of the… More