Cuban Artist Under House Arrest Begins Hunger and Thirst Strike
Independent Cuban artist and activist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara announced that he would begin a hunger and thirst strike this week after being placed under de facto house arrest.… More
Trial of Russian Artist Charged With “Disseminating Pornography” Begins
A Russian feminist artist and LGBTQIA+ activist is being tried this week on charges of disseminating pornography for her artwork that depicts nude bodies. More
Pussy Riot Members to Appear in Court This Week
Pussy Riot members Maria “Masha” Alekhina and Lucy Shteyn will appear in court this week on charges related to their peaceful activism. More
On World Day Against Cyber Censorship, Coalition Launches New Anti-Censorship Resource for Artists
Don’t Delete Art, a virtual gallery and campaign from an international coalition of artists and free expression organizations, has created the first comprehensive resource for artists to avoid and… More
China’s New Performance Regulations a Threat to Artists
A new set of regulations released by the government-affiliated China Association of Performing Arts (CAPA) aim to restrict artistic freedom in service of the government’s political agenda. More
PEN America Calls for the Imminent Release of Tortured Bangladeshi Cartoonist
“In what must be treated as a situation of utmost concern and urgency, PEN America calls for [Ahmed Kabir] Kishore’s immediate release.” More
Jailing of Spanish Rapper Demonstrates Need for Reform of Country’s Gag Law
PEN America today condemned the arrest of Spanish rapper Pablo Hasél, detained under a draconian gag law for his lyrics and social media posts. More
Draft Russian Bill Would Threaten Artistic Freedom, Cultural Exchange
A draft Russian law that would require independent cultural and educational programs to be “licensed” by the Russian government poses a dire threat to freedom of expression, cultural education,… 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
PEN America Publishes First-Ever Guide for Artists at Risk
“This year, we’ve seen an explosion of protest movements worldwide, but also the desperate attempts by governments to unjustly and at times violently muzzle artistic freedom and dissent.“ More