13-Year Sentence for Subversion an “Atrocious” and “Illogical” Attack on Free Speech
The sentencing of activist and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center, Qin Yongmin, to 13 years in prison for “subversion” demonstrates a gross denial of justice, PEN America… More
PEN America Celebrates the Release of Poet Liu Xia After Eight Years Under House Arrest
Liu Xia's release is a testament to the power of collective voices being raised in support of those who others would brutalize into silence. More
Chinese Writer Yang Tongyan Released on Medical Parole for Brain Tumor
News that Chinese dissident writer and 2008 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award Winner Yang Tongyan was released on medical parole for brain cancer is another appalling reminder of… More
China: Two Independent Chinese PEN Center Members Given Harsh Sentences
The sentencing of two Independent Chinese PEN Center members to lengthy prison terms for the publication of pro-democracy essays is yet another blow in the government’s crackdown on free… More
Liu Xiaobo: Sentenced Six Years Ago Today
December 25 marks six years since poet, writer, and political activist Liu Xiaobo was sentenced to 11 years in prison in China "for allegedly inciting subversion of state power." More
PEN Member Arrested for Supporting Hong Kong Protests
As pro-democracy protests enter their third week in Hong Kong, Beijing’s efforts to suppress information on and support for the occupy movement have extended to PEN’s ranks as Independent… More
Free Liu Xia: A Reading and Screening of Never-Before Seen Footage of Detained Chinese Poet
On January 14, writers and supporters gathered in New York City to pay tribute to the poet and artist Liu Xia, who has been under extralegal house arrest since… More
Five Poems by Liu Xia
I’m a philosopher who thinks / with my body, I’m biological / theater, non-fiction, the body / of spirit whose language is / poetry. I am prosody. More
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