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.
Potential Criminal Charges Against Wyoming Librarians “Astounding Overreach”
PEN America today decries mere suggestion of prosecuting librarians for books stocked in a Wyoming community library. More
Imprisoned Cuban Artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara Begins Hunger Strike
Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, who has been incarcerated in a high-security prison since July, began a hunger strike this week in protest of his imprisonment and ongoing… More
PEN America to Honor Two California Health Professionals for Standing for Truth Amid COVID Disinformation
PEN America today announces Santa Cruz County Health Services Director Mimi Khin Hall and Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel as recipients of the 2021 PEN/Benenson Courage Award More
Russia Labels Mediazona as ‘Foreign Agent’ in Ongoing Crackdown
The Russian justice ministry this week designated the independent investigative news outlet Mediazona and its editor-in-chief, Sergei Smirnov, as “foreign agents.” More
PEN America Decries LinkedIn’s Apparent State-Influenced Censorship
PEN America today said that by blocking or otherwise censoring the LinkedIn profiles of journalists, activists, and writers, the company is capitulating to state-influenced censorship. More
PEN America Welcomes Congressional Resolution Condemning Repression in Belarus
Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Joe Wilson (R-SC) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House decrying the Belarusian regime and its brutal suppression of the pro-democracy movement over the… More
Cuban Artist and Activist Hamlet Lavastida Released From Detention
Cuban artist and activist Hamlet Lavastida was released Saturday after three months in detention. More
PEN America Urges Newsom to Sign Bill Protecting Reporters at Protests
PEN America today joined calls for California Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign SB 98, a bill that would put into law protection for journalists covering protests and other demonstrations. More
New Network Launching to Provide Support to Artists at Risk in Latin America and the Caribbean
PEN America announced today it is launching a network to provide rapid response support for artists across Latin America and the Caribbean. More
PEN America Says Rwanda’s Rusesabagina Denied Fair Trial
A court in Rwanda Monday found Paul Rusesabagina guilty of forming and funding a terrorist group. More