High-Profile Supporters Join PEN America to Call for the Release of Narges Mohammadi Ahead of Nobel Prize Ceremony
Hundreds of the world’s most prominent writers, artists, human rights activists, allies, and civil society organizations have signed on to an open letter created by PEN America calling for… More
PEN America Welcomes Release of Iranian Dissident Rapper Toomaj Salehi
Salehi was arrested in October 2022 for his music in support of Iran's “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests following the custodial death of Mahsa Amini. More
Narges Mohammadi, The Iranian Writer Speaking Out From Behind Bars
Narges Mohammadi has been a target of Iranian authorities for more than 30 years. She was arrested twice at meetings of a political student group. More
On Anniversary of Mahsa Amini Protests, U.S. Congress Affirms Support for Women’s Rights in Iran
“In the year since Mahsa (Jina) Amini’s death, Iranian women in particular have continued to bravely use their voices to speak out against the abuses of the Iranian government.… More
Prison Sentence Against Iranian Filmmaker Saeed Roustayi Effort to “Asphyxiate” Vibrant Ideas and Silence Creative Voices
“The Iranian regime strategically wields the term 'propaganda' as a potent tool, skillfully harnessing it to asphyxiate the vibrant exchange of ideas within society. This calculated manipulation transforms the… More
PEN America Condemns Added One Year Prison Sentence Imposed Unjustly on Iranian Human Rights Defender Narges Mohammadi
“The new charges against Narges Mohammadi fly in the face of freedom of expression, and are a cynical tactic aimed at silencing her brave and fearless voice from speaking… More
Sentencing of Iranian Actresses Leila Bolukat and Afsaneh Bayegan is a “Cruel” Blow to Their Artistic Freedom, says PEN America
Julie Trebault, director, Artists at Risk Connection at PEN America, said: "The cruel sentencing and bans inflicted upon Leila Bolukat and Afsaneh Bayegan exemplify the Iranian authorities' calculated assault… More
PEN America Condemns Six-Year Prison Sentence for Iranian Rapper Toomaj Salehi and Calls on Iran to Release Him Immediately
Julie Trebault, director of PEN America’s Artists at Risk Connection, said: “The severe sentence imposed on Salehi is a stark example of the Iranian authorities' brutal actions. Persecuting musicians… More
PEN America’s Literary Gala May 18 to Honor Iranian Writer and Human Rights Defender Narges Mohammadi with PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award
PEN America Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Nossel said: “Narges Mohammadi inspires awe across the world for her unflinching courage and resistance to the Iranian government’s determined campaign to silence… More
As Press Leaks Confirm Iran’s Systematic Targeting and Persecution of Artists, PEN America Calls on UN Fact-Finding Mission to Investigate
“The leaked documents prove the deliberate and systematic nature of the Iranian regime’s attacks on freedom of expression, amounting to major human rights violations under international law. The Minister… More