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.
Mauritanian Blogger Released from Prison
NEW YORK—PEN America welcomes the release of blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkheitir in Mauritania after more than three years behind bars. Mkheitir was condemned to death in 2014 for apostasy. The… More
Advocates Fear for Missing Scholar of Islamic Extremism in Bangladesh
The disappearance of Dr. Mubashar Hasan, a Bangladeshi professor and policy analyst known internationally for his work on Islamic extremism, is yet another egregious example of Bangladesh’s failure to… More
Death of Imprisoned Chinese Writer and Activist Yang Tongyan a Further Blow for Free Expression
News of PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award honoree Yang Tongyan's passing is a harsh reminder of how China treats its critics. More
Proposed legislation to regulate campus speech risks chilling open expression, says PEN America
PEN America speaks out in response to a spate of legislation and legislative proposals at the state level that are aimed to buttress free speech protections. More
Celebrated Authors and Artists Call on China to Release Poet Liu Xia, Wife of Late Dissident, Ahead of Trump Visit
Liu Xia's continued torment is a cruel manifestation of China’s determination to suppress not only dissenters, but someone whose only crime was to love one. More
Public Officials’ Interference in Kennesaw State University Anthem Protests an Alarming Infringement on First Amendment Rights
Punishing students for peaceful expression is a clear infringement on their rights and a distortion of the role of the university in American life. More
Detention of Publisher Osman Kavala Evidence of Erosion of Liberties in Turkey
Holding Osman Kavala is indicative of a movement to silence dissent and the supporters of the kinds of cultural institutions associated with free societies. More
“Blogging is not a Crime”: Blogger’s Six-Year Sentence Appalling Example of Punishing Free Expression
Blogging is not a crime, despite Vietnam’s repeated efforts to treat it as one: Phan Kimh Khánh should be released immediately. More
China Must Prove—Not Just Claim—Gui Minhai is Free
It is impossible to believe that Gui Minhai is free when he has not contacted his family or friends and when his whereabouts are not publicly known. More
Attack on Prominent Journalist Follows Smear Campaign Against Independent Broadcaster in Russia
The attack on radio host Tatiana Felgenhauer is a frightening development for Russian journalism and those responsible must be held accountable. More
Support for the freedom to read with exclusive designs by Todd Parr, Mike Curato, Art Spiegelman, and more!
