Biden Administration Must Prioritize Human Rights and Free Expression in Responding to Iranian Election Outcome
As Iran elects a new president, PEN America urged the Biden Administration to emphasize the country’s dire human rights situation as it responds to the outcome of the vote. More
PEN America: China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Remain World’s Top Jailers of Writers
In PEN America’s annual census of detained writers worldwide, The Freedom to Write Index, the literary and free expression group found that in 2020, at least 273 writers, academics,… More
Resignation of Two Professors Highlights Growing Academic Freedom Crisis in India
Two professors at an Indian university resigned from their posts this month under apparent political pressure. More
China Formalizes Bogus Charges Against Rights Activist Li Qiaochu
Prosecutors in China Monday approved a case for the formal arrest of activist Li Qiaochu on charges of “inciting subversion.” More
Chinese Writer and PEN America Honoree Marks One Year in Detention
On the one-year anniversary of Chinese dissident writer Xu Zhiyong's detention, PEN America reiterates its call for his immediate, unconditional release. More
PEN America Welcomes Release of Saudi Activists, PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Awardees Loujain Al-Hathloul and Nouf Abdulaziz
“Today is a day to celebrate Nouf’s and Loujain’s release, and to honor the efforts of Loujain’s family, who have fought so tirelessly on her behalf." More
PEN America Welcomes Release of Saudi Activist, PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Awardee Loujain al Hathloul
“What a sweet day for Loujain, to finally be reunited with her family and get a glimpse of the freedom she so richly deserves.” More
Detention of Chinese Women’s Rights Activist an Appalling Escalation in Attempt to Silence Her
“This is an appalling escalation in the attempt to silence and punish Li Qiaochu for continuing to speak out about Xu's case and about her own treatment at the… More
Reports: China to Escalate Charges Against PEN America Honoree Xu Zhiyong
“Chinese officials are choosing this moment to double down on repression, using Xu to signify their imperviousness to global pressure to comply with international norms of free expression." More