As Press Leaks Confirm Iran’s Systematic Targeting and Persecution of Artists, PEN America Calls on UN Fact-Finding Mission to Investigate
“The leaked documents prove the deliberate and systematic nature of the Iranian regime’s attacks on freedom of expression, amounting to major human rights violations under international law. The Minister… More
PEN America Condemns Move to Expel Tennessee Lawmakers Who Protested on the Legislature Floor
“The right to protest is paramount. Community members have a right to be heard by the lawmakers who serve them, and legislators have a duty to represent the voices… More
PEN America: Bill Passed by NC House Would Chill Right to Protest at a Critical Moment for Democracy
“HB 40 will harm core First Amendment rights and will create the risk that the government could use the law to restrict or deter speech it dislikes,” said Kate… More
Appeals Court’s Decision Upholding Anti-Boycott Law Drastically Undermines Free Expression
“The Eighth Circuit ruling misreads well-established legal precedent and drastically undermines constitutionally protected freedoms,” said Nadine Farid Johnson, Washington director of PEN America. “The right to participate in boycotts,… More
PEN America and PEN International Condemn Six-Year Prison Sentence for Cuban Musician Abel Lescay for His Participation in Peaceful Mass Protests Last July
“Abel Lescay is a brave and talented musician who should never have been in jail in the first place. We are horrified by the news that he has received… More
PEN America Joins Legal Effort Defending the Right to Protest in Oklahoma
“HB 1674 is not just an anti-protest law; it is an anti-democratic law,” said Nadine Farid Johnson, PEN America’s Washington director. “If enacted, its vague allusions to “conspirators” and… More
PEN America Urges Wisconsin Legislators to Reject Anti-Protest Bill
PEN America warned that a pending bill could gravely endanger the right to protest. SB 296/AB 279 would define “riot” so broadly that anyone present at a protest where… More