Joint Oral Statement on the Outcomes of the Cuban States’s Universal Periodic Review
We urge the United Nations member states to demand the immediate release of artists and writers imprisoned in Cuba and an end to forced exile. More
PEN America Condemns Detention of Iranian Dissident Rapper Vafa Ahmadpour
PEN America’s Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of Iranian rapper Vafa Ahmadpour and calls for his immediate release. More
Iranian Musician Mehdi Yarrahi Sentenced to Lashes and Two Years Imprisonment
Mehdi Yarrahi’s disproportionate conviction is further proof of the power of art as Iranian authorities continue to persecute artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers. More
Global Art House Film Community Rallies in Support of Acclaimed Iran Directors Behtash Sanaeeha and Maryam Moghadam
In the wake of Narges Mohammadi’s Nobel Peace Prize recognition, the persecution of Iranian artists and writers persists unabated More
Método Cuba: Independent Artists’ Testimonies on Forced Exile
Método Cuba: Independent Artists’ Testimonies of Forced Exile, amplifies the stories of artists who have suffered repression due to their "artivism" firsthand. More
Art is Power: 20 Artists on How They Fight for Justice and Inspire Change
Art is Power: 20 Artists on How They Fight for Justice and Inspire Change documents the ways artists are fighting against these menacing tactics and urges art and human… More
New Report Calls for Greater Protections for Threatened Artists on the Frontlines of Social and Political Change Worldwide
“With their unique ability to challenge dominant narratives, bring people together, and foster hope in a brighter future, socially engaged artists are a critical part of the battle to… More
“Unjustified” Mass Arrests at Hong Kong Gathering for Tiananmen Square Massacre Anniversary
“Hong Kong authorities demonstrated on June 4 they are in lock step with Beijing in attempting to erase the memory of the Chinese Communist Party’s massacre of peaceful pro-democracy… More
As Press Leaks Confirm Iran’s Systematic Targeting and Persecution of Artists, PEN America Calls on UN Fact-Finding Mission to Investigate
“The leaked documents prove the deliberate and systematic nature of the Iranian regime’s attacks on freedom of expression, amounting to major human rights violations under international law. The Minister… More
PEN America and Amani: Africa Creative Defence Network Call on Ugandan President to Veto Anti-LGBTQI Rights Law, Condemning it as a Serious Strike Against Free Expression
“We have seen a troubling rise in cases of Ugandan artists and cultural professionals who have been arrested merely on the grounds of telling the stories of LGBTQI+ communities… More