Egypt: Health condition of detained writer Ibrahim al-Husseini deteriorating
PEN is deeply concerned about the health condition of Ibrahim al-Husseini, an Egyptian writer who has been detained since his arrest on December 9, 2018. More
Detention of Writer Ibrahim al-Husseini a Grievous Attack on Free Expression in Egypt
“While attacks on individual free expression in today's Egypt are nothing new, the detention and ill treatment of an elderly writer for his online comments is a disgrace,” said Karin Deutsch Karlekar, Director… More
Conviction of Photojournalist Shawkan is an Absurd Injustice
The conviction - for murder and membership in a terrorist organization - handed down to photojournalist Mahmoud Abou Zeid, known as Shawkan, is an absurd injustice. More
Egypt: prominent writer and blogger under arrest and investigation
PEN is deeply concerned about the detention of Wael Abbas, a prominent Egyptian blogger and political activist. He has been arbitrarily detained since his arrest on May 24, 2018, when… More
Egypt’s Grim Blow to Freedom of Expression and Human Rights: The Tortured Poet Galal El-Behairy Must be Freed
The Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy is currently detained and faces charges in the Military Court related to his latest book of poetry, The Finest Women on Earth. More
Egypt: Ongoing arbitrary detention and serious health concerns of prominent writer
PEN is deeply concerned about the well-being of Hesham Gaafar, a prominent Egyptian writer and the head of Mada Foundation for Media Development (MADA). Gaafar has been arbitrary detained since October 21,… More
Egypt Uses Threat of ‘Terrorism’ to Silence Dissent Online
Egypt Uses Threat of ‘Terrorism’ to Silence Dissent Online, Blocks 21 News Sites More
May Featured Case: Ahmed Naji
This month, PEN features the case of 2016 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award winner Ahmed Naji, whose case is emblematic of the widening and escalating crackdown on free expression… More
Egypt: Arrests and Reported Raid at Press Syndicate
A reported police raid on an Egyptian journalists' union office and the arrests of two journalists illustrate an escalating and unacceptable series of attacks on press freedom, PEN America… More
Egypt: Sentencing of Novelist a Direct Attack on Writers
The sentencing of Egyptian novelist Ahmed Naji to two years in prison for “violating public modesty” is a direct attack on writers that underscores the dire state of free… More