PEN America: China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Remain World’s Top Jailers of Writers
In PEN America’s annual census of detained writers worldwide, The Freedom to Write Index, the literary and free expression group found that in 2020, at least 273 writers, academics,… More
PEN America Welcomes Release of Turkish Journalist Ahmet Altan
PEN America today welcomed the news that Turkish journalist Ahmet Altan has been released from prison after spending more than four years behind bars. More
Nazlı Ilıcak | Status: Released | Turkey
Nazlı Ilıcak, a 72-year-old veteran journalist, former member of parliament, and avid supporter of democracy, was arrested as part of a crackdown following an attempted coup in July 2016.… More
Turkey’s Crackdown on Press, Free Expression Mark “Grave Moment”
PEN America condemns Turkey’s latest attacks on journalists, as well as the broader crackdown on freedom of expression in the country over the past week. More
Police Violently Crack Down on Student Protesters in Turkey
“The attacks on these students’ peaceful protests are egregious and demonstrate a blatant and persistent disregard for freedom of expression by the Turkish government." More
Turkey Arrests 93 in Raid on Turkish Music Collective’s Cultural Center
“These arrests are yet another demonstration that freedom of expression does not exist for Turkish musicians whose lyrics criticize the government." More
Turkey Must Release Osman Kavala and Drop Charges Against Him and Henri Barkey
“This new indictment is yet another egregious attack on the human rights of Osman Kavala, who has dedicated his life to promoting cultural collaborations and advocating for the rights… 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
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