The PEN Pod: On Crackdowns in Crimea with Emine Dzheppar
“What makes me really motivated and encouraged to keep on doing what I do at the moment. . . is people. Those brave ones, those courageous ones.” More
PEN America Condemns Arrest of Ukrainian Journalist
The politically-motivated arrest of Vladyslav Yesypenko is an unacceptable attempt to silence a Crimean journalist. More
Protecting Your Voice In A Pandemic: A COVID-19 Free Expression Information Center – Ukraine
In response to the pandemic, PEN America’s COVID-19 Free Expression Information Center houses the latest news and tools to help journalists, writers, human rights defenders, and protestors in Ukraine… More
The PEN Pod: On Facebook Bans and China’s Influence on Academic Freedom with Suzanne Nossel
“The question of whether the platforms would do the same for the other side. . . I think we’re better off if everybody feels they’re treated more or less… More
From Informed Responsibility To Dangerous Denial: COVID Responses in Eurasia
There have been striking differences in how certain countries in Eurasia have responded to COVID-19 with regard to freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy rights. More
Mykola Semena | Status: Released | Ukraine
Mykola Semena was convicted under the “separatist” Article 280.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, for publicly denouncing the Kremlin’s annexation of Crimea. He was handed a 2-year suspended sentence.… More
In Washington, D.C., Oleg Sentsov Advocates for Release of Ukrainian Political Prisoners
“Hundreds remain held in inhumane, impossible conditions in Russia and the occupied territories. Most of these prisoners are Crimean-Tatars put in jail for no reason other than their vocal… More
Ukrainian Journalist Mykola Semena Released From House Arrest
"It is deeply gratifying that Mykola has not only been released from house arrest but also cleared of the spurious charges he faced." More
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PEN America On 
"Like most Americans, you might believe books have a settled status in our culture—that even if they contain sexual material, they’re protected by the #FirstAmendment," writes @dankois.
Now, Republicans in VA are asking a judge to change US obscenity law. https://slate.com/culture/2022/08/book-banning-republicans-gender-queer-obscenity-supreme-court.html
“When we read these books... everyone is in agreement that (they) are very educational and should be allowed in our classrooms,” says Vandegrift High School Banned Book Club co-founder Alyssa Hoy. "They start very tough conversations that need to be had.” https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/how-teens-are-pushing-back-on-book-bans
A teacher in Florida wanted to inspire Black children with pictures of Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Colin Powell and George Washington Carver.
He has resigned because, he alleges, a district employee removed the pictures as "age inappropriate."
https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2022/08/10/escambia-county-florida-teacher-said-pictures-black-american-leaders-removed-his-class/10276112002
