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.
Amid Hong Kong Paper’s Closure, Apple Daily Editorial Writer Arrested
The arrest of an editorial writer at the Apple Daily represents the deepening criminalization of free expression in Hong Kong under the draconian National Security Law. More
Closure of Hong Kong’s Apple Daily Is “Death Knell for Independent Media”
There should be no pretense that this is anything other than a death knell for independent media in Hong Kong. More
Wole Soyinka to Present Award to Henry Louis Gates Jr. at PEN America Gala
PEN America announced today that acclaimed Nigerian writer, poet, and playwright Wole Soyinka will fly in from Nigeria to offer remarks at the organization’s 2021 Literary Gala celebration in… More
Supreme Court Made Right Call in Student Free Speech Case
PEN America responds to landmark student free speech case Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. . More
PEN America Demands Immediate Release of Cuban Rapper and Activist
Exactly one month ago, Cuban authorities arrested and detained rapper and activist Maykel Castillo. More
ADVISORY: Media Under Attack in Belarus: A Panel Conversation
PEN America, alongside Human Rights House Foundation and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Lithuania in Geneva, will host a dynamic panel discussion on the state of press… More
Biden Administration Must Prioritize Human Rights and Free Expression in Responding to Iranian Election Outcome
As Iran elects a new president, PEN America urged the Biden Administration to emphasize the country’s dire human rights situation as it responds to the outcome of the vote. More
PEN America Calls Hong Kong Newspaper Raid “An Act of War on Press Freedom”
PEN America decried the news that Hong Kong police had raided the offices of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily and arrested five executives. More
PEN America Supports California Press Protection Bill Absent Misguided Amendment
PEN America today expressed its support for California Senate Bill 98 in its original form, without an amendment which would require that journalists receive “authorization from a commanding officer… More
PEN America Announces 2021-2022 Writing for Justice Fellows
The literary and free expression group PEN America today announced the recipients of its 2021-2022 Writing for Justice Fellowship. More