The PEN Pod: On the Arrest of Raman Pratasevich and Free Speech on Social Media
“This disturbing trend of reaching across borders to nab people that regimes see as a threat. . . [is] a new demonstration of how far these governments are willing… More
Virtual Solidarity Reading to Honor Imprisoned Women Writers and Activists
On Thursday, May 27, PEN America—in partnership with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Amnesty International USA, and the makers of the documentary film NASRIN—will host a virtual reading in… More
Forced Landing of Jet in Belarus Constitutes Grave Threat to Journalists and Writers Worldwide
PEN America and its network of allies around the world are issuing a call for Raman Pratsevich's immediate release—and for the international community to take action against the grave… More
PEN America Disturbed by Recent Raids on Independent Belarusian Publication
Editors of the Belarusian independent media portal TUT.By reported on Tuesday that their homes and offices had been searched by the Belarusian Financial Police. More
PEN America: China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Remain World’s Top Jailers of Writers
In PEN America’s annual census of detained writers worldwide, The Freedom to Write Index, the literary and free expression group found that in 2020, at least 273 writers, academics,… More
Detained Belarusian PEN Center Member Must Be Released
PEN America today called for the immediate release of Belarusian PEN Center member Aliaksandr Fiaduta, a political scientist, literary critic, and former aid to Belarus’ authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko. More
Belarus Sentences Famed Translator to Two Years’ House Arrest
A court in Belarus this week sentenced translator Volha Kalackaja to two years of house arrest after a one-day trial. More
Hunger Striking Belarusian Musician Must Be Released
For over a week, detained Belarusian musician and performer Ihar Bancar has gone without food or water, protesting the bogus “hooliganism” accusations that have been raised against him. More
As Putin and Lukashenko Meet, Russia’s Role in Fueling Belarus Crackdown Can’t Be Overlooked
Do visa restrictions really matter to Alexander Lukashenko and his closest circle? And if not, then what is important to them? More
PEN America Decries Two-Year Sentence for Belarusian Journalists
Two Belarusian journalists have been sentenced to two years in prison, part of the Belarus government's continued crackdown on the free press. More