Norwegian PEN: Overcoming Free Expression Challenges Globally
I would say there is a tendency to write in an autobiographical manner. This is an old tradition, from a stream of bohemian literature in the 1890s. Proponents would… More
“They Killed Him”: Denial of Medical Care in China and the Literary Conscience
As a matter of medicine, it was of course cancer that took Liu’s life. But the responsibility for his death must rest on the shoulders of the Chinese state. More
Death of Imprisoned Chinese Writer and Activist Yang Tongyan a Further Blow for Free Expression
News of PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award honoree Yang Tongyan's passing is a harsh reminder of how China treats its critics. More
Celebrated Authors and Artists Call on China to Release Poet Liu Xia, Wife of Late Dissident, Ahead of Trump Visit
Liu Xia's continued torment is a cruel manifestation of China’s determination to suppress not only dissenters, but someone whose only crime was to love one. More
She is Not Free: Liu Xia’s “Time to Mourn” Video Suggests Government Propaganda
Liu Xia’s recent “grant me time to mourn” video fits squarely within the pattern of Chinese propaganda videos in which individuals give coerced statements that promote the party narrative. 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
Where is Liu Xia?
Liu Xia was never accused of a crime. She was punished to punish her husband and as a lesson to a nation. Now no one knows where she is.… More
Statement on the abduction and torture of Hong Kong activist Howard Lam
The kidnapping and mutilation of Hong Kong Democratic Party member Howard Lam, who was warned not to send a token of esteem to Chinese poet Liu Xia, is an… More
DARE: Daily Alert on Rights and Expression
Trump doubles down on North Korea, Google cancels town hall after employees targeted in online harassment campaign, Russia sentences journalist to prison on extremism charges, and more in free… More