Five Year Prison Sentence Against Performance Artist in Russia Is “Unjust” Criminalization of Free Expression
PEN America called on the international community to speak out in support of Krisevich’s right to free expression. His works of protest art have long been targeted by Russian… More
Artists Across Asia Face Dire Threats to Free Expression
“The reality is that artists in many parts of Asia are increasingly at risk merely for exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression.” More
Cuban Artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara Released after a Month in Hospital Detention
“We emphatically call for Cuba’s governmental campaign of harassment to end, and for Cuban authorities to halt all attempts to muzzle dissent and criminalize independent artists, writers, and activists.” More
Thai Artist Arrested for Posting About Country’s Coronavirus Screening
The arrest of Danai Ussama sets an alarming precedent for the muzzling of speech in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. More
Persecuted Cuban Artist Being Held, His Location Unknown
"We call on the Cuban government to disclose Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara’s whereabouts and detention status and to release him immediately.” More
Zehra Doğan | Status: In Exile | Turkey
Zehra Doğan, a Turkish journalist and artist, was sentenced on March 24, 2017 to two years and ten months in prison for creating a painting of a Turkish city… More
PEN America Calls on Governments to Remove Visa Barriers That Stymie Cultural Exchange
Cultural and intellectual exchange provides essential lifeline to keep societies and peoples connected and prevent schisms from deepening as a result of ignorance and fear More
Chinese Authorities Razing Ai Weiwei’s Studio Part of Larger Attack on Artistic Expression
“Regardless of the government’s motives, the unannounced demolition of an artist’s studio is a demonstration of a lack of appreciation or even acknowledgment for the role of the artist… More
In-Between Days
"I was feeling no pain, by which I mean, I was overmedicated." More
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