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].
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13-Year Sentence for Subversion an “Atrocious” and “Illogical” Attack on Free Speech
The sentencing of activist and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center, Qin Yongmin, to 13 years in prison for “subversion” demonstrates a gross denial of justice, PEN America… More
Leading Human Rights Figures and Artists Call for President Trump to Discuss Russian Political Prisoners During Meeting with Putin
A list of leading figures in human rights, filmmaking, and the arts issued an open letter urging President Trump to raise Sentsov's case and that of all political prisoners… More
Decision to Drop Remaining Charges Against “J20” Protesters an Overdue but Important Victory for Right to Protest
On Friday July 6, federal prosecutors dropped felony charges against the final 38 defendants arrested following the 2017 Inauguration Day protests, or “J20” protests. More
PEN America Celebrates the Release of Poet Liu Xia After Eight Years Under House Arrest
Liu Xia's release is a testament to the power of collective voices being raised in support of those who others would brutalize into silence. More
Gravely Disappointing Decision in Myanmar as Court Moves to Full Trial for Reuters Reporters and 2018 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award Winners Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo
“Today's decision is a grave disappointment and an alarming retreat for press freedom in Myanmar,” said Suzanne Nossel, CEO at PEN America. More
Myanmar Court has Opportunity to Uphold Press Freedoms by Dropping Case Against Reuters Journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo
Given the lack of relevant evidence brought forward in the pre-trial period, and the testimony suggesting police entrapped Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, the Myanmar courts… More
Release of Mehmet Altan Represents a Welcome First Step for Free Expression in Turkey
“This ruling, while very welcome and a great relief for Mehmet and his family, is only a first step in restoring justice in this case.” More
Murder in American Newsroom Sends Shockwaves through our Country
"Word that dedicated journalists, editors, and staff were killed and wounded while at work in a community newsroom sends shockwaves through our country." More
Reality Winner Plea Deal Underscores Need to Reform Espionage Act
“Reality Winner’s unauthorized disclosure provided Americans with vital information related to national security: evidence that a foreign power had attempted to hack into a state election system.” More
Supreme Court’s Decision on Travel Ban Deals Blow to Exchange of Cultures and Ideas
"Open discourse, including the right to in-person exchange, is protected by the First Amendment and is a potent catalyst for cross-cultural understanding, international cooperation, and global progress." More