Egypt: prominent writer and blogger under arrest and investigation
PEN is deeply concerned about the detention of Wael Abbas, a prominent Egyptian blogger and political activist. He has been arbitrarily detained since his arrest on May 24, 2018, when… More
Russia: Oleg Sentsov on hunger strike
The Ukrainian writer and filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, winner of 2017 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award has been on hunger strike since May 14, 2018 to urge the Russian authorities… More
Iran: Arrest followed by an enforced disappearance of poet
PEN condemns the enforced disappearance of poet Mohammad Bamm who was arrested by members of the Iranian security forces on December 31, 2017 while on his way home in the city… More
Thailand: Charges against octogenarian writer and activist dropped
PEN welcomes the decision taken by Thai military prosecutors not to pursue charges of lèse majesté against renowned writer and activist Sulak Sivaraksa. Background Sulak Sivaraksa, aged 85, is a well… More
Egypt: blogger faces new prison sentence for ‘insulting the judiciary’
PEN is deeply concerned that blogger and activist Alaa Abd El Fattah could be subjected to a new prison sentence at his next hearing on December 30, 2017 under… More
Israel: Court rejects Dareen Tatour’s appeal to end her house arrest
PEN condemns the decision of the Israeli court in Nazareth, on December 4, 2017, to reject the appeal of Palestinian poet Dareen Tatour to end her house arrest. Consequently, Tatour… More
Israel: Palestinian journalist released following hunger strike
PEN welcomes the release, on November 8, 2017, of prominent Palestinian journalist Muhammed al-Qiq. He had been detained by Israeli authorities for almost one year under administrative detention following… More
Saudi Arabia: Raif Badawi spends his 2000th day behind bars
PEN condemns the ongoing arbitrary detention of blogger Raif Badawi, currently serving a 10-year sentence in Saudi Arabia. PEN is also deeply concerned that the Saudi government will continue the lashing… More
Iran: Writer and poet released on bail
Author and poet Dr. Sedigheh Vasmaghi was released on bail on November 4, 2017. Vasmaghi had been held in Evin prison since October 22 where she was brought for… More
Iran: Writer and poet arrested upon return to Iran
PEN is deeply concerned about the well-being and safety of Dr. Sedigheh Vasmaghi, an Iranian author and poet who was arrested by the Iranian authorities upon her arrival to… More
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