PEN Network Welcomes Release of Iranian Writers Arash Ganji and Reza Khandan Mahabadi, Calls for Release of Other Members of the Iranian Writers’ Association
As members of the global PEN network, we call for the Iranian authorities to cease harassing and investigating members of the IWA, to unconditionally drop all politically-motivated charges against… More
Celebrating Reza Khandan Mahabadi’s Release From Prison in Iran, PEN America Calls for Release of Other Iranian Writers Wrongly Jailed
Reza Khandan Mahabadi is a leading member of the Iranian Writers Association (IWA), prolific author and researcher, who was given a six-year prison term in 2019 and has been… More
PEN America and PEN Sydney Join More than 170 Writers Calling for the Release of Iranian Poet Ali Asadollahi and Other Writers Imprisoned in Iran
“Since the outpouring of sustained nationwide protests against the government in September, Iran’s writers and broader creative community have been caught in the crosshairs, targeted by authorities with preventative… More
UN Ruling Demands Iran Release Persecuted Writers
“As the anniversary of Baktash Abtin’s death approaches, we are encouraged and heartened by this robust ruling,” said Karin Deutsch Karlekar, PEN America’s director of Free Expression at Risk… More
PEN America and PEN Sydney Condemn Arrests of 3 More Iranian Writers, as Iran Continues Crackdown on Free Expression Targeting Writers and Artists
“The violent and targeted arrests of the IWA’s board members are designed to intimidate and silence one of the leading independent civil society voices inside Iran that steadfastly speaks… More