PEN America Welcomes Release of Iranian Dissident Rapper Toomaj Salehi
Salehi was arrested in October 2022 for his music in support of Iran's “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests following the custodial death of Mahsa Amini. More
Hunger Striking Belarusian Musician Must Be Released
For over a week, detained Belarusian musician and performer Ihar Bancar has gone without food or water, protesting the bogus “hooliganism” accusations that have been raised against him. More
Jailing of Spanish Rapper Demonstrates Need for Reform of Country’s Gag Law
PEN America today condemned the arrest of Spanish rapper Pablo Hasél, detained under a draconian gag law for his lyrics and social media posts. More
Turkey Frees Another Member of Embattled Music Collective
“Twice in the same month, we have had the rare opportunity to celebrate a Turkish artist’s release from prison." More
Iranian Musician Faces Spurious, Politically-Motivated Charges
"Rajabian is again being treated as a criminal simply for being a socially-conscious musician." More
PEN America Welcomes Release of Turkish Musician
"Grup Yorum has faced years of persecution at the hands of the Turkish government, which has fallaciously accused members of terrorism for merely making music and has repeatedly raided… More
Turkish Musician Who Ended Hunger Strike Dies
"We vehemently condemn the Turkish government for its continuous attempts to silence Grup Yorum." More
Turkish Musician Suspends Hunger Strike After Nearly A Year
"He and other Grup Yorum members should not have to resort to a hunger strike in the first place to be able to share their music." More
Turkish Musician Dies Following Hunger Strike
We are immensely saddened to learn of Helin Bölek’s passing. We strongly condemn the actions of the Turkish government that led to her death. More
Egyptian Institutions Ban Mahraganat Genre of Music and Threaten Legal Action Against Artists and Listeners
“New genres of music so often emerge as the voice of those who feel they have been neglected or left behind, and whose voices might otherwise not be heard… More
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