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.
Myanmar’s Block on Facebook an Infringement on Free Speech
“This ban should be lifted immediately. . . restricting access to a vital channel of information-sharing is an infringement of free expression and the right to information.” More
PEN America Welcomes Sen. Schatz’s Global Press Freedom Act of 2021
(Washington D.C.) -- Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) today introduced the Global Press Freedom Act of 2021, which would elevate as a matter of U.S. foreign policy the protection of… More
PEN America Joins Coalition Urging Biden Administration to Support the Arts
“The first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration provide an excellent opportunity for leaders to emphasize the value of the arts in our society, not only for enhancing the… More
PEN America Condemns Communications Shutdowns, Writer Arrests Amid Myanmar Coup
“We implore the Myanmar military to respect democratic norms and to uphold fundamental rights to free expression and other liberties guaranteed by the constitution.” More
Journalists Arrested Across Russia Amid Broader Crackdown Against Protesters
“The arrest and detention of Smirnov and dozens of other journalists is an attempt to intimidate and silence Russia's independent journalists during a moment of national upheaval.” More
PEN America Celebrates Release of Tibetan Language Advocate Tashi Wangchuk
“We’re overjoyed to learn that Tashi has been released from a prison sentence he should never have served in the first place.” More
PEN America Condemns Arrest of Cuban Artists, Mass Detention of Protestors
“Such alarming disregard for the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and protest sends a clear message to independent artists and thinkers on the island: speak your mind and… More
PEN America Publishes First-Ever Guide for Artists at Risk
“This year, we’ve seen an explosion of protest movements worldwide, but also the desperate attempts by governments to unjustly and at times violently muzzle artistic freedom and dissent.“ More
Reports: China to Escalate Charges Against PEN America Honoree Xu Zhiyong
“Chinese officials are choosing this moment to double down on repression, using Xu to signify their imperviousness to global pressure to comply with international norms of free expression." More
PEN America, RWCHR File Complaint on Behalf of Detained Chinese Couple
“It’s clear that Wang Zang’s dissenting political opinions have made him a target of criminal persecution, and it is just as obvious that Wang Liqin has been targeted for… More