(NEW YORK)–PEN America released the following statement after an immigration appeals court closed the case of journalist Mario Guevara and ordered his removal from the country. Guevara, an Atlanta-based reporter who is authorized to live in the United States and who has been here for 20 years, is the only journalist detained in the country for his reporting. He was arrested at a June protest on charges of failing to disperse and standing in the roadway after briefly stepping into a street. An immigration judge earlier had granted his release on bond.
“If carried out, this ruling would mark a dangerous moment for press freedom, with the United States—long considered a beacon for free speech—moving to deport a journalist in direct retaliation for his reporting,” said Tim Richardson, journalism and disinformation program director. “This mirrors the tactics of authoritarian governments the U.S. has long condemned and sends a chilling message to reporters everywhere, especially those covering vulnerable communities or government abuses of power. We urge the court to reconsider and to allow Mario Guevara to remain in the country and continue his reporting free from fear of deportation or retaliation.”About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Malka Margolies, [email protected], 929-383-1856