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.
PEN America Calls for Investigation into Death in Custody of Bangladeshi Writer
Bangladeshi writer and journalist Mushtaq Ahmed died in custody at Kashimpur High Security Prison on Thursday after nearly ten months in pre-trial detention. More
Jailing of Spanish Rapper Demonstrates Need for Reform of Country’s Gag Law
PEN America today condemned the arrest of Spanish rapper Pablo Hasél, detained under a draconian gag law for his lyrics and social media posts. More
Facebook’s Drastic Step to Disallow News Posts in Australia “Alarming”
Facebook's move to block the posting and sharing of news stories is an affront to free expression and a worrying response to flawed legislation being proposed in Australia. More
PEN America Decries Two-Year Sentence for Belarusian Journalists
Two Belarusian journalists have been sentenced to two years in prison, part of the Belarus government's continued crackdown on the free press. More
PEN America Settles Landmark First Amendment Lawsuit with U.S. Government; Precedent Shields Reporters From Retaliation by a Sitting President
“Our lawsuit and the settlement reached today represents an important win for free speech, a free press, and the First Amendment." More
PEN America Opens Applications for 2021 Emerging Voices Fellowship
PEN America today announces the re-commencement of its Emerging Voices Fellowship, a program that mentors early-stage writers and has uplifted under represented voices for 25 years. More
PEN America Condemns Belarusian Police Raids on Activists, Journalists
PEN America condemns Tuesday's wanton raids and assault on Belarusian activists and journalists and demands respect for the universal right of free expression. More
Amid Protest Crackdown in India, PEN America Calls for Protection of Free Expression
As protests have rippled across India in recent months, police have become increasingly violent and the government has taken drastic steps to limit information. More
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