Press Releases
PEN America experts are available for interviews with the press. Please direct inquiries to Suzanne Trimel, Senior Advisor, Communications and Media, at [email protected].
At a time of unprecedented attacks against the free press, PEN America Members are taking action. Join us today.
PEN America: Trump Owes Us “Urgent Explanation” for Revoking Press Pass
"The White House owes us an urgent explanation of why reporter Brian Karem's press pass was withdrawn." More
PEN America: Release of Blogger in Mauritania “Long-Overdue Victory”
“The conviction and lengthy imprisonment of Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkhaitir was unjust from the very start and it is promising to see that the outgoing government made the decision… More
PEN America Files Legal Brief Calling for Release of Student Detained for Reading Poem
“No one should go to jail for reading a poem." More
Charges Must be Dropped Against Two Zimbabwean Filmmakers and Two Other Artists For Film Screening
“The Zimbabwean authorities’ targeting of filmmakers and culture professionals is an alarming attack on artistic freedom,” said Julie Trébault, Director of the Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) at PEN… More
PEN America: Facebook Ad Library Fails to Serve Its Basic Purpose
The Transparency Tracker provides: • A media literacy tool that empowers the public to hone in on reliable sources of news and defend themselves from fraudulent news and misinformation • An accountability tool… More
Firing of Professor Over Novel Threatens Academic, Artistic Freedom
“We applaud Williams College for giving thoughtful attention to how to address issues of inclusion without impairing a climate for free expression and inquiry on campus,” said Jonathan Friedman,… More
PEN America on Mueller Testimony: Disinformation Threatens Free Expression
"As the 2020 election approaches, the fight against election interference and the spread of disinformation must continue." More
Acclaimed Songwriter Diane Warren To Receive Artistic Expression Award at PEN America 2019 LitFest Gala
“I am honored to accept the 2019 Artist Expression Award from PEN America at this year’s LitFest Gala, and to be included among such incredible past honorees.” More
Burmese Filmmaker Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi to Face Trial on Charges Stemming from Facebook Posts Critical of the Military
“The fact that Min Htin Ko Ko Gyi has been targeted for speaking his mind online demonstrates the Myanmar government’s continued disregard for the right to free expression,” said… More
PEN America Calls for Reversal of Prison Sentences Imposed on Turkish Filmmakers Ertuğrul Mavioğlu and Çayan Demirel for Documentary Bakur
“Criminalizing Ertuğrul Mavioğlu and Çayan Demirel’s work is a serious blow for artistic freedom of expression in Turkey. Artists must have the freedom to explore any subject matter, regardless… More