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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Trial of Education Advocate Tashi Wangchuk on Separatism Charges an Attack on Tibetan Linguistic and Cultural Rights
This is an absurd and offensive attack on Tibetan language and cultural rights, which authorities have dressed up as an issue of national security. More
J20 Trial Verdict a Welcome Affirmation of Protest Rights
The verdict is a welcome affirmation of the importance of free expression following repeated attacks on the First Amendment by the Trump administration. More
Longlists for 2018 PEN America Literary Awards Celebrate Icons and Emerging Writers
PEN America today released the longlists for its 2018 Literary Awards, celebrating nearly 70 titles spanning the range of literary work including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, translation, and lifetime achievement. More
Rollback of Net Neutrality Protections Marks a Dark Day for Free Expression, Says PEN America
The implications of repealing net neutrality protections for free speech and the marketplace of ideas are colossal...We now look to Congress and the courts to defend the unfettered flow… More
Troubling Incidents at CUNY Campuses Raise Concerns for Press Freedom and Students’ Free Expression
"Educational institutions have an obligation to support transparency and free speech—even when they might not like what students have to say." More
PEN America and PEN Myanmar Call on Myanmar to Clarify Arrest of Reporters Wa Lone and Moe Aung
The arrest of two Reuters reporters under the 1923 Official Secrets Act is another example of the misuse of colonial-era laws to hamper critical journalism. More
Trump’s Calls to Fire Washington Post’s Dave Weigel Infringe on First Amendment, says PEN America
For the President to call for a reporter to be fired infringes on the First Amendment, even if the journalist's private employer has the wisdom to ignore the advice… More
Cameroonian-American Writer Patrice Nganang Abducted at Airport and Detained
We condemn Nganang’s detention and call on the Cameroonian authorities to release him unharmed immediately. More
Met Breuer Offers Commendable Approach to Controversial Works and Peaceful Protesters
The protesters merit applause for working with the museum to broadcast their message non-violently and with respect for the museum’s commitment to artistic freedom. More
MSNBC’s Decision over Sam Seder Emboldens Political Activists to Silence Critical Voices
MSNBC has signaled to provocateurs that, with a little research, they can quickly shut down nearly any voice that challenges their opinions and ideas. More