(NEW YORK)—In response to a report that the Morocco Ministry of Culture will not include Fatima Zahra Amzkar’s book Lesbian Diaries in the Rabat 2022 International Book Fair, PEN America issued the following comment from Liesl Gerntholtz, director of the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center:
“Withdrawing Lesbian Diaries violates Fatima Zahra Amzkar’s rights to free speech and artistic expression while also undermining the rights of LGBTQ+ communities to equality and dignity. The International Book and Publishing Fair must reverse this decision immediately.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open 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: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], 201-247-5057