In Solidarity with Egyptian Fact-Checking and Independent Media Platform Matsadaash
We join together to stand in solidarity with Egyptian fact-checking and independent media platform Matsadaash, following its recent targeting by Egyptian security services. More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of July 24
PEN America works tirelessly to defend free expression, support persecuted writers, and promote literary culture. Here are some of the latest ways PEN America is speaking out. PEN America hosted… More
Joint Letter – Biden Administration Should Not Provide Military Aid to Egypt in Light of Ongoing Human Rights Violations
Withholding the full amount conditioned on human rights will demonstrate the continued importance that the United States places on the Egyptian government adequately addressing the dire human rights crisis. More
Civil Society Organizations Condemn Sentencing of Egyptian Academic and Researcher Patrick George Zaki
We civil society organizations condemn the three-year prison sentence handed down to human rights researcher and academic Patrick George Zaki. More
Relief that Egyptian Writer Patrick Zaki is Pardoned and Released from Prison After Sentencing for “Spreading False News”
Justin Shilad, research and advocacy lead for the Middle East and North Africa at PEN America, said: “The sentence against Patrick Zaki is an outrage, and indicative of the… 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
The PEN Ten: An Interview with Jamila Minnicks
Writers document and correct the record, both past and present. Language is a powerful choice of weapon because it preserves our history and frames our resistance. More
The PEN Ten: An Interview with Deena Mohamed
To me, the function of speculative fiction and magical realism, the joy of inserting fantasy in mundane urban reality, is to consider the implications of how it might function… More
Concern Raised Over Censorship Threat Against Netflix, Disney from Saudi Arabia, Gulf Neighbors
“These calls are unfortunately no surprise coming from regimes all too accustomed to censoring the stories and ideas their own citizens can access. But their attempt to inflict that… More
PRESS BRIEFING: Mon., 7/11 in DC: Middle East Dissidents and Human Rights Defenders Speak Out Ahead of President Biden’s Trip
MEDIA ADVISORY for Monday, July 11 at 2:30 PM ET (WASHINGTON)--On Monday, July 11 at 2:30 PM ET, dissidents and human rights defenders from the Middle East and Members… More