An Interview with Michael Scammell
As part of PEN American Center's 90th Anniversary celebration, we spoke to past presidents, staff, and members about the evolution of the organization and most pressing issues of freedom… More
Freedom Begins at Home
The U.S. government remains leery of having the lens of global scrutiny over human rights practices trained on its own conduct. While the State Department's report on country performance… More
Will the Armies of Censorship Wear Flip Flops?
At Facebook, a legion of flip flop-wearing staff are on the front lines of free expression battles. Is this a good thing? More
PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award: Ayşe Berktay
PEN American Center named Ayşe Berktay, a translator, writer, and activist in Turkey, as the recipient of its 2013 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award. Berktay, a leading advocate… More
Dignity of Lentil Soup
Michele Zackheim's profile on Russian writer and activist Stanislav Dmitrievsky, whose book may soon be banned by authorities. If found to be "extremist" in nature, Dmitrievsky himself will be… More
Censorship and Power in Iran
As Iran heads towards elections in June, the government is once again engaging in a campaign of arrests, repression and harassment against the media. This evening explores the… More
The PEN/Allen Foundation Literary Service Award: Philip Roth
Philip Roth reflects on his lifetime of literary endeavor and his personal involvement in promoting freedom and democracy in Eastern Europe at the 2013 PEN Gala. More
Censorship and Power in Iran
Maziar Bahari, Jon Stewart, and Joel Simon discuss press freedom in Iran in the run-up to the crucial June presidential election More
Going on the Record: Resistance and Writing
Focusing on the harrowing events at Guantánamo and on the courage of those in the military and intelligence services who created a written record of those events, this program… More
Haiti in Two Acts
Designed to reveal hidden literary and political realities, Haiti In Two Acts plays out in two parts. Act I: An expert delivers remarks about the country. Act II: Local… More