Iran Steps Up Repression of Rights, with Harsh Prison Sentences for Writers and Artists and Reported Torture and Abuse in Custody
“The Iranian government is putting writers’ lives at severe risk through its brazen violation of basic human rights that include systematic abuse and torture in custody, coupled with fast-tracked… More
PEN America Calls for the Imminent Release of Tortured Bangladeshi Cartoonist
“In what must be treated as a situation of utmost concern and urgency, PEN America calls for [Ahmed Kabir] Kishore’s immediate release.” More
Amid Protest Crackdown in India, PEN America Calls for Protection of Free Expression
As protests have rippled across India in recent months, police have become increasingly violent and the government has taken drastic steps to limit information. More
Saudi Activist Rejects Deal to Recant Torture Allegations
“This attempt at coercion is a pathetic effort by the Saudi state to use propaganda to paper over its dire human rights reputation." More
‘GUANTÁNAMO DIARY’ AUTHOR FINALLY RELEASED
Mohamedou Ould Slahi has been released from Guantánamo Bay and transferred to Mauritania by U.S. authorities, where he is set to be reunited with his family. More
PEN Podcast: Voices Against Torture—Writers and Lawyers on the Way Forward
In celebration of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, PEN America features a panel of writers and lawyers speaking out against torture. More
Free Expression Daily Digest: Thurs., September 24
Syrian cartoonist confirmed dead, Ecuadorian president censors critical videos, and the Obama administration explored bypassing encryption. More
Reckoning with Torture: Awaiting the Senate Torture Report
After a years-long wait, the Senate Intelligence Committee's report on CIA torture is expected to be released. This report is a crucial step towards reckoning with torture. More
Closing Argument at Guantanamo II: The Torture of Mohammad Jawad, Continued
If ever there were a textbook case of outrageous government conduct, this is it. Almost any one of these things would be sufficient to warrant dismissal. Cumulatively, it… More
Three Questions with Maggie Nelson
I hope that what we are working for, when we work for freedom of expression, is the right of writers and editors to be irresponsible in language without threat… More
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