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
Forcibly Expelled, Stripped of Their Citizenship and Deported to the U.S., Nicaraguan Writers and Artists Face “Fear and Uncertainty”
“We are relieved that these individuals are no longer behind bars after being unjustly detained by the Ortega government. However, we are deeply concerned that they were deported against… More
Arbitrary Arrests of Six Artists and Activists in Cuba Strike at Silencing Dissent and Curtailing Artistic Freedom
“The arbitrary arrests of multiple young members of Cuba’s artistic community are part of a broader systematic effort to silence dissent and to curtail artistic freedom in the island,”… More
Arrest of Actress, Activist, Translator Taraneh Alidoosti is Another Blatant Effort to Suppress Human Rights in Iran
Liesl Gerntholtz, director of the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center, said: "Taraneh Alidoosti is a highly talented actress who has long used her celebrity status to advocate for women's equality in… More
New Report: Troubling Rise in Restrictions on Artistic Freedom and Human Rights in Latin America and the Caribbean
“In the last few years, political and social tensions have risen dramatically in Latin America and the Caribbean amid the confluence of grave crises and dramatic changes. Authoritarian governments… More
PEN America Condemns Execution of Iranian Activist Mohsen Shekari After Conviction for Participation in Protests
“We are horrified by the shocking execution of Mohsen Shekari and the terrifying precedent this sets for artists and protestors currently held in Iranian prisons. The Iranian government clearly… More
Rising Restrictions on Artistic Freedom in Africa Linked to Political Crises, Flawed Elections and Covid
“Over the last few years in Africa, we have witnessed disturbing attacks on artists from around the continent, accompanied by widespread and pernicious efforts to dampen the right to… More
PEN America and Amani: Africa Creative Defense Network Condemn “Unjust Sentences” and Flogging of Nigerian TikTok Comedians Over Satirical Video Skits
These comedians have the right to express themselves and their views freely and without fear of harm, and satire is not and should never be treated as a crime,”… More
Communicating During Contentious Times: Dos and Don’ts to Rise Above the Noise
A new guide for community leaders to use in their pursuit of credible and peace-forward messaging strategies. More
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