Moscow on Mute: How Russia is Silencing the Voices of Its Young Musicians
In targeting popular performers like Husky and IC3PEAK, the Russian authorities have demonstrated that popularity provides no protection. More
Arrest of 11 Cuban Artists an Intolerable Affront to Free Expression
“This repression is not new, but represents a continuation of the Cuban Ministry of Culture’s policy to intimidate and censor critical and independent artistic voices” - Julie Trébault, Director… More
Removal of Art Exhibit at Mary Baldwin Represents a Failure to Stand Up for Free Expression
“Mary Baldwin's decision to host a listening session with students is the right idea; but they could have done so while also staunchly defending the artists' rights and the… More
Oleg Sentsov Receiving the 2018 Sakharov Prize a Powerful Statement in Defense of Writers and Artists
"The European Parliament's selection of Oleg Sentsov as the 2018 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is a powerful statement in defense of writers, artists, political prisoners, and all… More
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