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
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
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
New Campaign Spotlights the Stories of Imprisoned Cuban Artists
“Dissident artists in Cuba have emerged on the frontlines of the protest movement in the country, using their platforms as creators to challenge the false narratives created by the… 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
PEN America Presents “Censored: Free Speech and Hollywood” Nov. 16 at Central Los Angeles Public Library
By reviewing legislation and court decisions, exploring blacklisted artists, and the opening up of representation in the late 20th century, the discussion will explore controversies around representing some themes… More
Five Year Prison Sentence Against Performance Artist in Russia Is “Unjust” Criminalization of Free Expression
“There is great irony when a one-man protest against political imprisonment becomes itself a case of an artist wrongfully incarcerated,” said Polina Sadovskaya, director of Eurasia programs at PEN… More
PEN America Condemns Death Threats and Intimidation Against Oregon Shakespeare Festival Director
As we know from PEN America’s work to support those facing online abuse, however, women of color routinely face disproportionate and uniquely virulent attacks. In our increasingly polarized society,… More
Myanmar Spring Diary
Writers from India and the Indian diaspora reflect on the state of free expression in India in its 75th year of independence. More
Stolen Freedoms: Creative Expression, Historic Resistance, and the Myanmar Coup
This report explores the creative response to the February 1, 2021 coup and the military’s retaliatory crackdown, framing it within Myanmar’s long history of creative expression and protest. More
Alert Us
Are you an artist at risk or know someone who is?
PEN America On 
Thursday from 2-3 pm ET, our friend @BryanAlexander will be joined by authors Steven M. Bloom, AVP, Government Relations, the @ACEducation, and Jeremy C. Young, Senior Manager, Free Expression and Education at @PENamerica to discuss academic freedom. https://shindig.com/login/event/acepenguide
On March 25th, join us as we team up with @BlackVotersMtr, @RYHTexas, @TPHDallas for a discussion on the importance of accessible and accurate news to empower civic engagement – featuring @evadcoleman @ldallen.
https://pen.org/event/panel-discussion-at-the-potters-house-of-dallas-fake-news-or-not/
In Tallahassee for Library Day at the Capitol. #iloveschoollibraries #FREADom @FLFreedomRead