Syrian Activist and Writer Mazen Darwish Released Uncondtionally
PEN warmly congratulates Syrian activist, journalist and winner of the 2014 PEN Pinter Prize for international writer of courage Mazen Darwish and his colleagues from the Syrian Center for… More
1000 Lashes: Because I Say What I Think
"When I look within, I only see that thin man who miraculously withstood fifty lashes, while a group of people celebrated his pain, repeatedly chanting Allahu Akbar. All for… More
Joint Letter Condemning Khadija Ismayilova’s Sentencing
Our joint letter with Sport for Rights condemning the sentencing of Khadija Ismayilova to a staggering 7.5 years in jail. More
PEN Calls for Immediate Release of Vice News Journalists Detained in Turkey
English PEN, PEN American Center, PEN International and PEN Turkey are extremely concerned about the detention of four VICE News journalists in Turkey and call on the Turkish authorities… More
Khadija Ismayilova’s Final Statement
"Yes, I might be in prison, but the work will continue," Khadija Ismayilova declared during her final statement today in the court case against her. Read it in full… More
Joint Letter Calling on Bahrain to Release Abduljalil al-Singace
Bahraini prisoner of conscience Dr Abduljalil al-Singace today hits a milestone 160 days of hunger strike as rights organisations appeal for his freedom. Forty-one international NGOs today released an… More
Prosecutor Requests 9-Year Sentence for Khadija Ismayilova
A verdict in the farcical trial of the investigative journalist is expected over the summer holidays to avoid increased scrutiny from international media and activists. More
Journalism, A Most Deadly Profession
The cases of Ruben Espinosa, Gao Yu, and Sandeep Kothari demonstrate the worrying power of governments to crush freedom of expression. Methods of silencing journalists have moved beyond rigged… More
Syrian authorities must drop charges against three human rights defenders and release all prisoners of conscience
Sixteen international organisations have joined the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) in welcoming the release of its president Mazen Darwish and in calling for all… More