PEN America Calls on Governments to Remove Visa Barriers That Stymie Cultural Exchange
Cultural and intellectual exchange provides essential lifeline to keep societies and peoples connected and prevent schisms from deepening as a result of ignorance and fear More
Chinese Authorities Razing Ai Weiwei’s Studio Part of Larger Attack on Artistic Expression
“Regardless of the government’s motives, the unannounced demolition of an artist’s studio is a demonstration of a lack of appreciation or even acknowledgment for the role of the artist… More
Sentencing of Chinese Political Cartoonist Jiang Yefei and Activist Dong Guangping is the Unjust Result of an Unjust Process
"Jiang should never have been charged with a crime, he should never have been repatriated against his will, he should never have spent a day in custody, and he… More
Dismissal of Israeli Cartoonist Avi Katz is an Unacceptable Attack on Free Expression
“To punish satire is to muzzle the most creative, trenchant and arresting form of political commentary. Katz’s dismissal is an unacceptable attack on the rights of journalists and artists… More
Cartoonist Ramón Esono Ebalé Freed from Prison in Equatorial Guinea
An Equatorial Guinean court on released an artist imprisoned on dubious charges for nearly six months, 18 human rights groups including PEN America said today. The prosecution dropped all… More
Polk State College’s Refusal to Display “Controversial” Artwork an Alarming Disregard for Artistic Freedom on Campus
"At a moment when universities around the country are struggling with deeply challenging issues around free expression and students are engaging in debate on these and other crucial matters, Polk… More
Trial Set for Imprisoned Artist in Equatorial Guinea
The trial of an artist on dubious counterfeiting charges, apparently brought in retaliation for drawing cartoons critical of the government, will be a test both of the independence of… More
Denial of Visa for Documentary Producer Kareem Abeed Demonstrates Cruelty and Absurdity of Travel Ban
"It's unjust that Kareem Abeed will not be present at this year's Academy Awards to represent his work. Too often we see those who speak the truth subjected to travel… More
Threat of Prison Sentence for Two Turkish Filmmakers Marks Another Blow to Free Expression in Turkey
“The campaign of intimidation against Çayan Demirel and Ertuğrul Mavioğlu and the criminalization of their work is an egregious violation of human rights, and yet another example of the… More
Arts and Free Expression Groups File Amicus Brief in Pulphus v. Ayers
If the First Amendment stands for one thing, it's that the government can't censor art because it offends or provokes. The Congressional Art Competition is meant to reflect the… More
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