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.
Egyptian Prosecutors’ Decision to Seek Death Penalty for Photojournalist Shawkan Political Theater at the Expense of Human Rights
"This show trial is in keeping with the Egyptian regime's complete and consistent disregard for even the most basic norms of justice and human rights. As a dedicated photojournalist,… More
Cartoonist Ramón Esono Ebalé Freed from Prison in Equatorial Guinea
An Equatorial Guinean court on released an artist imprisoned on dubious charges for nearly six months, 18 human rights groups including PEN America said today. The prosecution dropped all… More
Polk State College’s Refusal to Display “Controversial” Artwork an Alarming Disregard for Artistic Freedom on Campus
"At a moment when universities around the country are struggling with deeply challenging issues around free expression and students are engaging in debate on these and other crucial matters, Polk… More
Attack on prominent professor and writer Zafar Iqbal threatens free speech in Bangladesh
“Although the government’s initial response has been encouraging, we call on authorities to fully investigate the attacker’s links to militant groups and to prosecute both the perpetrator and the… More
Mnuchin’s Refusal to Allow Release of UCLA Lecture and Discussion Video a Thin-Skinned Reaction to Exercise of Free Expression
"In light of frequent rhetoric about students being 'snowflakes' who try to prevent controversial speech from being heard and hide from real disagreements, it is ironic that the Treasury Secretary was… More
PEN America Names Novelist Jennifer Egan as New President and Announces Coast-to-Coast Unification
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jennifer Egan today became the new president of PEN America, taking leadership of the organization of writers as it mobilizes against mounting dangers for free expression… More
Murder of Slovakian Journalist a Crime Against Press Freedom and Democratic Values
"Ján Kuciak's death is a reprehensible crime against all journalists and the democratic values they protect. The international community must stand in solidarity with Slovakia's journalists to speak out against such… More
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to Deliver 2018 Arthur Miller Freedom to Write Lecture at 14th Annual PEN World Voices Festival
PEN America has announced that former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver the 2018 Arthur Miller Freedom to Write Lecture, followed by a conversation with author Chimamanda… More
Trial Set for Imprisoned Artist in Equatorial Guinea
The trial of an artist on dubious counterfeiting charges, apparently brought in retaliation for drawing cartoons critical of the government, will be a test both of the independence of… More
Denial of Visa for Documentary Producer Kareem Abeed Demonstrates Cruelty and Absurdity of Travel Ban
"It's unjust that Kareem Abeed will not be present at this year's Academy Awards to represent his work. Too often we see those who speak the truth subjected to travel… More