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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Chinese Writer and PEN America Honoree Marks One Year in Detention
On the one-year anniversary of Chinese dissident writer Xu Zhiyong's detention, PEN America reiterates its call for his immediate, unconditional release. More
Draft Russian Bill Would Threaten Artistic Freedom, Cultural Exchange
A draft Russian law that would require independent cultural and educational programs to be “licensed” by the Russian government poses a dire threat to freedom of expression, cultural education,… More
Proposed Myanmar Cybersecurity Law Obvious Attempt to Silence Speech
(New York, NY) — In response to news that the Myanmar military is planning to enact a new cybersecurity law, and based on a draft version of the law… More
Basketball Players Face One-Game Suspension for Kneeling During Anthem
PEN America said a one-game suspension for kneeling is wrongheaded response to peaceful, protected speech. More
Chinese Publisher Faces Three-Year Sentence in Unjust, Retaliatory Conviction
A Chinese publisher has been sentenced to three years following her criticism of the detention of a law professor. More
PEN America Welcomes Release of Saudi Activists, PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Awardees Loujain Al-Hathloul and Nouf Abdulaziz
“Today is a day to celebrate Nouf’s and Loujain’s release, and to honor the efforts of Loujain’s family, who have fought so tirelessly on her behalf." More
PEN America Welcomes Release of Saudi Activist, PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Awardee Loujain al Hathloul
“What a sweet day for Loujain, to finally be reunited with her family and get a glimpse of the freedom she so richly deserves.” More
PEN America Announces 2021 Literary Awards Finalists
“From some 1,850 submitted titles, these 55 books represent the best literature published during a time when the written word is urgently needed to support collective empathy and a… More
Attempts to Ban 1619 Project From Schools “Shameful”
“These attempts to ban schools from exploring the complexities and uncomfortable truths of American history—including slavery and racism—are shameful.” More
Detention of Chinese Women’s Rights Activist an Appalling Escalation in Attempt to Silence Her
“This is an appalling escalation in the attempt to silence and punish Li Qiaochu for continuing to speak out about Xu's case and about her own treatment at the… More