Sharp Criticism of Decision Designating Journalists Group in Belarus “Extremist”
The designation underscores the Belarusian authorities’ escalating attacks on independent journalism and free expression since Aleksander Lukashenka’s 2020 reelection, internationally regarded as “fraudulent.” More
PEN Centers Condemn Belarusian Court’s Verdict in Trial of Writer Ales Bialiacki
In response to news that Belarusian writer Ales Bialiacki was convicted to 10 years in prison—coinciding with International Writers for Peace Day—PEN Belarus, PEN Armenia, PEN Moscow, and PEN… More
Threat to Civil Society and News Organizations Under Proposed Law in Georgia that Would Hand Unfettered Monitoring and Investigatory Powers to the Country’s Government
PEN America said the proposed law runs counter to domestic and international human rights standards and called on members of the Parliament who introduced the proposed Transparency of Foreign… More
An Open Letter in Solidarity with Ukraine One Year Since Russia’s Invasion
We write to express our collective condemnation of Russia’s multi-pronged war against the Ukrainian people and culture. More
PEN America Decries Another Attempt by Georgia to Deny Entry to Russian Journalist
“The decision to deny Filipp Dzyadko entry to Georgia raises serious questions about Georgia’s space for free media and expression,” said PEN America's Eurasia and Advocacy Director Polina Sadovskaya. More
Five Year Prison Sentence Against Performance Artist in Russia Is “Unjust” Criminalization of Free Expression
PEN America called on the international community to speak out in support of Krisevich’s right to free expression. His works of protest art have long been targeted by Russian… More
Artists at Risk Connection Condemns Arrests of Russia Poets Related to Anti-War Event
Julie Trebault, director of the Artists at Risk Connection, said: “Our hearts are with Artem Kamardin, Nikolay Dayneko, and Egor Shtovba and their friends and families during this difficult… More
Council on Foreign Relations Hosts PEN America and Delegation of Ukraine Writers for May 16 Conversation in Washington
The group will discuss the current atmosphere for the country’s authors and activists, as well as the threat Russia poses to Ukraine’s sovereignty, cultural heritage, and identity. More
PEN/Penn Your Language My Ear Russian Poetry Translation Project
The PEN/Penn Your Language My Ear project builds cultural bridges and helps heal mutually distorted perceptions through the power of poetry and translation. More
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The Russian authorities said on Thursday that they had detained an American journalist, Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal correspondent based in Moscow, accusing him of espionage. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/30/world/europe/russia-wsj-reporter-detained-gershkovich.html
#Bangladesh: Journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams charged over story about rising food prices
According to a local thinktank, nearly 3,000 people have been charged under the Digital Security Act since it was enacted in 2018, including about 280 journalists https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/30/bangladesh-journalist-charged-over-story-about-rising-food-prices?CMP=share_btn_tw
Texas Observer will continue publishing after staff crowdfunds more than $300,000.
The crusading liberal magazine had planned to lay off its staff after its nonprofit board voted to shut down. But it reversed course on Wednesday.
https://www.texastribune.org/2023/03/29/texas-observer-keep-publishing/