Chinese Writer and Activist Detained While Trying to Visit Ailing Wife
“China’s Ministry of Public Security clearly fears Yang’s voice—to the point that they have taken this outrageous series of actions in order to ensure his silence." More
PEN America Welcomes Schiff/Klobuchar Bill Promoting Accountability for Human Rights Violations Against Journalists
“Rep. Schiff and Sen. Klobuchar's bill is an important step toward expanding protections for journalists who face risks of imprisonment, torture, and even death for the work they do… More
Police Violently Crack Down on Student Protesters in Turkey
“The attacks on these students’ peaceful protests are egregious and demonstrate a blatant and persistent disregard for freedom of expression by the Turkish government." More
Myanmar’s Block on Facebook an Infringement on Free Speech
“This ban should be lifted immediately. . . restricting access to a vital channel of information-sharing is an infringement of free expression and the right to information.” More
PEN America Welcomes Sen. Schatz’s Global Press Freedom Act of 2021
(Washington D.C.) -- Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) today introduced the Global Press Freedom Act of 2021, which would elevate as a matter of U.S. foreign policy the protection of… More
PEN America Joins Coalition Urging Biden Administration to Support the Arts
“The first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration provide an excellent opportunity for leaders to emphasize the value of the arts in our society, not only for enhancing the… More
PEN America Condemns Communications Shutdowns, Writer Arrests Amid Myanmar Coup
“We implore the Myanmar military to respect democratic norms and to uphold fundamental rights to free expression and other liberties guaranteed by the constitution.” More
Journalists Arrested Across Russia Amid Broader Crackdown Against Protesters
“The arrest and detention of Smirnov and dozens of other journalists is an attempt to intimidate and silence Russia's independent journalists during a moment of national upheaval.” More
PEN America Celebrates Release of Tibetan Language Advocate Tashi Wangchuk
“We’re overjoyed to learn that Tashi has been released from a prison sentence he should never have served in the first place.” More
PEN America Condemns Arrest of Cuban Artists, Mass Detention of Protestors
“Such alarming disregard for the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and protest sends a clear message to independent artists and thinkers on the island: speak your mind and… More