Anti-LGBTQ+ Campaigns Lead to Broad Crackdown on Free Expression
A broad attack on LGBTQ+ rights in Lebanon reflects a larger trend of attacks on free expression in the country and the region. More
Prison Sentence Imposed on Lebanese Journalist Underscores an Escalating Effort to Intimidate Journalists and Critics
Justin Shilad, Middle East and North Africa research and advocacy lead at PEN America, said: “The verdict against Dima Sadek is deeply concerning, as it shows the escalating attacks… More
New Report Calls for Greater Protections for Threatened Artists on the Frontlines of Social and Political Change Worldwide
“With their unique ability to challenge dominant narratives, bring people together, and foster hope in a brighter future, socially engaged artists are a critical part of the battle to… More
‘Antibodies’ Original Song Channels Fight for Free Expression
“While these two artists come from separate musical traditions and backgrounds, both have found a measure of solidarity in standing for human rights and freedom amid a difficult global… More
DARE: Federal Judge Rules to Reinstate PEN America Member Brian Karem’s White House Press Pass
A DC District Court judge ruled against the White House and ordered the Trump administration to reinstate the hard press pass for reporter and PEN American Member Brian Karem. More
Incoming Harvard Freshman Denied Visa Based on Friends’ Social Media Posts
“This is a move so perverse, so grotesque as to defy explanation. Preventing a 17-year-old with a scholarship to attend Harvard from entering the U.S. because his friends critiqued the… More
DARE: A Paradox at the Heart of the Newspaper Crisis
The New York Times' The Last Edition series looks at the state of local news in the United States, from the closing of newspapers to the paradoxes and... More
Lebanon: Writer faces criminal charges for defamation
PEN is concerned about trial of Hani H. Nsouli, a Lebanese writer and political activist who has been recently transferred to the individual criminal Court in Beirut on charges of "defamation". More
DARE: White House Bans Network Pool Reporter from Rose Garden Event
White House bars CNN reporter from Rose Garden briefing in retaliation for her unwelcome questions, prompting outcry from news sites, including Fox News. More
DARE: Trump tweets on student who claims CNN wrote scripted question, CNN disputes claim
CNN rejects as absolutely untrue the attempt, retweeted by the President, to undercut powerful televised town hall on gun violence with claim that it was scripted. More