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Xu Zhiyong headshot

PEN America Condemns 14-Year Sentence Handed Down to Freedom to Write Honoree Xu Zhiyong

Press ReleaseApril 10, 2023

“This 14-year sentence is a shocking and desperate act from the state to hide Xu Zhiyong from the people of China and the world. But his writing lives on… More

Xu Zhiyong Advocacy Page

China: PEN Centers Call for Xu Zhiyong’s Immediate Release

Open LetterJune 27, 2022

PEN America, PEN International, and the Independent Chinese PEN Center (ICPC) call on the Chinese government release Xu Zhiyong. More

Proceeding with Trial of Xu Zhiyong is a “Grave and Shameful” Mistake by China

Press ReleaseJune 21, 2022

Xu faces a potential punishment of life in prison if convicted. His lawyer will reportedly plead his innocence of the crimes at trial. Trials involving government critics in China—including… More

Xu Zhiyong

Chinese Authorities Poised to Put Activists Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi On Trial, PEN America and China Human Rights Defenders Warn

Press ReleaseDecember 20, 2021

Chinese authorities may use the lull around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to subject prominent human rights defenders to unfair trials while much of the international community is… More

a fountain pen writes on a piece of paper; on top: PEN America logo and “Day of the Imprisoned Writer: Writers as Champions of the Right to Free Expression”

[VIRTUAL] Day of the Imprisoned Writer: Writers as Champions of the Right to Free Expression

Monday, November 15, 2021 | 11:00 am – 12:15 pm ET
 More Information
Xu Zhiyong headshot

Imprisoned Chinese Activist Xu Zhiyong Indicted for ‘Subversion’

Press ReleaseAugust 6, 2021

Lawyers for imprisoned Chinese activist and writer Xu Zhiyong—the 2020 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write honoree—indicated this week that he's now been indicted for “subversion,” alongside fellow human rights lawyer… More

image of chinese women's rights activist Li Qiaochu

China Formalizes Bogus Charges Against Rights Activist Li Qiaochu

Press ReleaseMarch 15, 2021

Prosecutors in China Monday approved a case for the formal arrest of activist Li Qiaochu on charges of “inciting subversion.” More

Xu Zhiyong

Chinese Writer and PEN America Honoree Marks One Year in Detention

Press ReleaseFebruary 14, 2021

On the one-year anniversary of Chinese dissident writer Xu Zhiyong's detention, PEN America reiterates its call for his immediate, unconditional release. More

image of chinese women's rights activist Li Qiaochu

Detention of Chinese Women’s Rights Activist an Appalling Escalation in Attempt to Silence Her

Press ReleaseFebruary 6, 2021

“This is an appalling escalation in the attempt to silence and punish Li Qiaochu for continuing to speak out about Xu's case and about her own treatment at the… More

Xu Zhiyong

Reports: China to Escalate Charges Against PEN America Honoree Xu Zhiyong

Press ReleaseJanuary 22, 2021

“Chinese officials are choosing this moment to double down on repression, using Xu to signify their imperviousness to global pressure to comply with international norms of free expression." More

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