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 Calls on Myanmar to Acquit Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo and Uphold the Rule of Law
In reaction to today’s news that the expected verdict in the case against Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, 2018 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award honorees, will… More
Intimidation of Muslim Poet an Effort to Silence Writers’ Engagement on Xinjiang
“An Ran, a poet, is speaking out on one of the most important human rights issues of our day. Instead of attempting to shut him down, authorities should be… More
Reality Winner Sentence Has Troubling Ramifications for National Security Whistleblowers, Public Information
In Wake of Reality Winner Sentence, PEN America Calls on Congress to Reform Espionage Act to Allow for Information Disclosures That Advance Public Interest More
Pending Disciplinary Action Against Professor James Livingston for Online Speech Reflects Wrong-Headed Approach
"While ardor in addressing genuine racism is laudable, Rutgers is deeply misguided in applying a harassment and discrimination policy to police personal speech of faculty that has reportedly not even given rise… More
Trump Administration’s Attempt to Intimidate Publishing House Unlawful and Unbecoming
Yet again the Trump Administration is attempting to intimidate a publishing house by threatening legal retaliation in an attempt to keep a book off the shelves and out the… More
Trump Revokes Former CIA Director Brennan’s Security Clearance: An Astounding Repudiation of Our Constitutional System
'President Trump's Revoking of Former CIA Director Brennan's Security Clearance An Astounding Repudiation of Our Constitutional System' More
Disappearance of Uyghur Scholar an Example of Attempts to Erase Uyghur Culture
“The apparent months-long secret detention of Rahile Dawut is yet another illustration that Chinese governmental policy is geared towards erasing Uyghur identity. Like so many others, Dawut has apparently… More
Renowned Creative Activist Ai Weiwei To Receive Artistic Expression Award At PEN America 2018 LitFest Gala
"Ai Weiwei's inventive, iconic, and utterly original lens on contemporary life both within and outside China have bridged the worlds of art and activism, awakening millions to the plight… More
Violent Attacks on Zimbabwean Opposition Members, Efforts to Muzzle Journalists, Demonstrate Ruthless Campaign to Silence Dissent
"Mnangagwa's comments just days ago that free speech is an indispensable element of a 'new Zimbabwe' are farcical against the backdrop of this brutal suppression of dissenting voices." 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