PEN America Finds Surge in Anti-Protest Bills as State Legislators Escalate First Amendment Crackdown
State lawmakers across the country have accelerated their crackdown on constitutionally-protected protests, proposing a wave of legislation over the past year that would heap fines, fees, and criminal penalties… More
Myanmar Junta Must Reverse Its Path of Censorship and Abuse
Against a backdrop of escalating violence against protesters, the military junta in Myanmar continues to escalate its restrictions on free expression and access to information this week. More
PEN America Condemns Myanmar Military Regime’s Deadly Use of Force
On deadliest day yet in Myanmar, PEN America condemns the brutal crackdown on protesters, journalists, and writers. More
Amid Protest Crackdown in India, PEN America Calls for Protection of Free Expression
As protests have rippled across India in recent months, police have become increasingly violent and the government has taken drastic steps to limit information. More
Police Violently Crack Down on Student Protesters in Turkey
“The attacks on these students’ peaceful protests are egregious and demonstrate a blatant and persistent disregard for freedom of expression by the Turkish government." More
PEN America Demands Immediate Release of Belarusian Translator Volha Kalackaja
"The detention of Volha Kalackaja is the latest injustice; PEN America calls for her immediate release and for any and all charges against her to be dropped." More
PEN America Condemns Disturbing Wave of Intimidation and Arrests of Cuban Artists
“Cuban authorities' blatant disregard for freedom of expression has triggered one of the most vicious and alarming cycles of brutality faced by artists in the country in recent memory." More
PEN America Condemns Crackdown on Polish Protesters
(New York, NY) — The police-led crackdown on reproductive rights demonstrators in Poland is a serious assault on freedom of expression, PEN America said today. PEN America condemns the… More
PEN America Welcomes Congressional Resolution on Nigeria Protests
"Rep. Green’s resolution shines a powerful light on the decline of free expression in Nigeria while recommitting the United States to upholding the right to assembly as a cornerstone… More
Poet and PEN Belarus Member Imprisoned for Demonstrating
“Strotsev now joins a long list of Belarusian cultural figures who have been unjustly detained and faced brutal treatment for expressing dissent through their art." More
Alert Us
Are you an artist at risk or know someone who is?
PEN America On 
Bad news from Mississippi today, where the state senate passed an educational gag order that applies to all public universities and K-12 schools. Among other things, the bill could threaten recognition of the Black Law Students Association at the University of Mississippi.
We have just learned the Myanmar military have sentenced Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zayar Thaw to death for alleged anti-coup activities.
https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/democracy-veteran-ko-jimmy-and-former-nld-mp-phyo-zayar-thaw-sentenced-to-death
Oh, I’ve been waiting for this little gift for a bit now. Here’s a sneak peek for the rest of you! @PENamerica #reginalddwaynebetta #prisonwriting
2