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.
China: Authorities continue to harass journalist Gao Yu and assault son
Plainclothes police ransacked 72-year-old journalist Gao Yu’s garden and assaulted her son in another cruel and crude attack on press freedom in China, PEN America said today. More
PEN America to Honor Jailed Egyptian Novelist Ahmed Naji with Freedom to Write Award
PEN America will confer the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award upon imprisoned Egyptian novelist and journalist Ahmed Naji at its annual Literary Gala on May 16 at the American… More
Qatari Poet Mohammed Al Ajami Released from Prison
PEN America is delighted by reports that Qatari poet Mohammed al Ajami has been released from prison. More
Hong Kong: Bookseller’s Return Welcome News but Colleagues Remain in Detention
Bookseller Lui Por’s return to Hong Kong is welcome news, but the continuing detention of his four colleagues is an ongoing violation of free expression and Hong Kong’s constitution,… More
Turkey: Commandeering of Newspapers Blatant Attempt to Wipe Out Free Press
A court order to appoint trustees to oversee the Turkish newspapers Zaman and Today’s Zaman is an astonishingly blatant attempt to wipe out Turkey’s free press, PEN America said… More
PEN America to Honor Flint Mother and Local Doctor for Speaking Out to Expose Poisoned Water Supply
LeeAnne Walters and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha to Receive 2016 PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award More
Brazil: Arrest of Facebook Executive a Drastic and Unnecessary Measure
The arrest of a Facebook executive by Brazilian authorities over the inability of Whatsapp, a Facebook subsidiary, to hand over data it does not have is an egregious judicial… More
PEN America Honors Toni Morrison for Lifetime Achievement in American Fiction
Ellsworth, Nottage, and Princenthal Among Recipients for 2016 PEN Literary AwardsNEW YORK—PEN America today announced the winners for the 2016 PEN Literary Awards. Toni Morrison, whose prolific literary career… More
Egypt: Sentencing of Novelist a Direct Attack on Writers
The sentencing of Egyptian novelist Ahmed Naji to two years in prison for “violating public modesty” is a direct attack on writers that underscores the dire state of free… More
PEN America, Renowned Writers and Artists Stand with Apple in Privacy Battle
Free Expression Advocates Urge End to Efforts to Compel Tech Giant to Crack Shooter’s iPhone More