Attack on prominent professor and writer Zafar Iqbal threatens free speech in Bangladesh
“Although the government’s initial response has been encouraging, we call on authorities to fully investigate the attacker’s links to militant groups and to prosecute both the perpetrator and the… More
Mnuchin’s Refusal to Allow Release of UCLA Lecture and Discussion Video a Thin-Skinned Reaction to Exercise of Free Expression
"In light of frequent rhetoric about students being 'snowflakes' who try to prevent controversial speech from being heard and hide from real disagreements, it is ironic that the Treasury Secretary was… More
PEN America Names Novelist Jennifer Egan as New President and Announces Coast-to-Coast Unification
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jennifer Egan today became the new president of PEN America, taking leadership of the organization of writers as it mobilizes against mounting dangers for free expression… More
Murder of Slovakian Journalist a Crime Against Press Freedom and Democratic Values
"Ján Kuciak's death is a reprehensible crime against all journalists and the democratic values they protect. The international community must stand in solidarity with Slovakia's journalists to speak out against such… More
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to Deliver 2018 Arthur Miller Freedom to Write Lecture at 14th Annual PEN World Voices Festival
PEN America has announced that former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the 2018 Arthur Miller Freedom to Write Lecture, followed by a conversation with author Chimamanda… More
Trial Set for Imprisoned Artist in Equatorial Guinea
The trial of an artist on dubious counterfeiting charges, apparently brought in retaliation for drawing cartoons critical of the government, will be a test both of the independence of… More
Denial of Visa for Documentary Producer Kareem Abeed Demonstrates Cruelty and Absurdity of Travel Ban
"It's unjust that Kareem Abeed will not be present at this year's Academy Awards to represent his work. Too often we see those who speak the truth subjected to travel… More
2018 PEN America Literary Awards Winners Announced
“In times of challenge great literature offers a desperately needed window onto other possibilities. We celebrate these extraordinary writers, and we thank them for keeping us nourished at a… More
Turkish Court Assigns Life Sentences to Journalists Ahmet and Mehmet Altan and Nazli Ilicak
These sentences are an egregious violation of the rights of Ahmet, Mehmet, and Nazli. Today's verdict serves as incontrovertible evidence of the severe erosion of Turkey's democracy, demonstrates that… More
PEN World Voices Festival 2018, with Theme “Resist and Reimagine,” Will Convene Writers, Artists, and Thinkers from the United States and Abroad to Plot Paths Ahead for Societies in Turmoil, April 16–22
PEN America presents the 2018 PEN World Voices Festival: Resist and Reimagine, this year’s incarnation of the renowned international literary festival, which will bring together the world’s foremost authors… More