This Week in Free Expression: August 22, 2014
Americans mourned the death of James Foley amid concerns for other captive journalists, including Jason Rezaian in Iran. More
Five Poems from Prison
In 2012, Alireza Roshan was incarcerated at Evin prison in Iran—known for housing political prisoners and dissidents—on charges of “incitement and collusion with intent to disrupt national security." He… More
Iran: More Arrests of Journalists Shine Spotlight on Continuing Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
This article was posted originally by PEN International on July 30, 2014.The continued detention of three journalists arrested in Iran last week is yet another sign of increased pressure… More
Iranian Journalist Saba Azarpeik Under Threat; Detained
Journalist Saba Azarpeik, detained since May 28, 2014 without charge, appeared in court on July 21 and 22 and was reported to be in bad physical and psychological condition.… More
Young Iranian Poet Seeks Refuge
Iranian poet and novelist Payam Feili tells PEN he was forced into exile in Turkey last after being held in a shipping container at an unknown location for 44… More
I Will Grow, I Will Bear Fruit … Figs
Poker. That is what I call him. He is my only friend. We met during military training. He is twenty-one. He likes the afternoon sun, and he is not… More
Marjane Satrapi: Persepolis and Chicken with Plums
Using animation, film, and the graphic novel, the peerless Marjane Satrapi combines political history and memoir to depict a country’s upheaval through the story of one family. More
2014 World Cup Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the headlines, there are stories on free expression and human rights at the Cup and in its contending teams' home nations: arrests in Iran, U.S. Supreme Court a… More
Celebrating Sanctuary: Exiled Voices Speak Out on World Refugee Day
On World Refugee Day (June 20), PEN International is highlighting its work to protect writers at risk. More
Excerpt from “Travels With Ramazan”
From outside my guide Amir and I could hear the tock of Ramazan’s weaver’s shuttle, the loud noise of metal slamming against wood, as we approached his studio in… More