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.
Iranian Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh Temporarily Released From Prison; Requires Urgent Care
(New York, NY) — PEN America welcomes the release of Nasrin Sotoudeh—lawyer, women’s rights activist, and PEN America’s 2011 Freedom To Write Award honoree—on a temporary medical furlough on… More
Turkey Arrests 93 in Raid on Turkish Music Collective’s Cultural Center
“These arrests are yet another demonstration that freedom of expression does not exist for Turkish musicians whose lyrics criticize the government." More
PEN America Welcomes OSCE Report Outlining Belarus Human Rights Abuses
“We welcome this report, which marks an important international effort to document the human rights violations that have occurred in Belarus related to the August elections." More
PEN America Decries Detention of Belarus Demonstrators Following National Strike
PEN America continues to decry the Belarusian government's arrest of demonstrators, including leading writers and other cultural figures in the country. More
PEN America Stands With U.S. Senators Urging State Department to Further Protect Press Freedoms Around the World
“It is crucial for the U.S. State Department to firmly advocate for the rights of a free press and hold accountable those who are unwilling to do the same.” More
U.S. Government-Funded Broadcasters Must Remain Free from Political Interference
"Michael Pack’s tortured explanation for the action he has purported to have taken to de-professionalize the journalism at VOA and other respected news outlets likely violates the 1994 law… More
Turkey Must Release Osman Kavala and Drop Charges Against Him and Henri Barkey
“This new indictment is yet another egregious attack on the human rights of Osman Kavala, who has dedicated his life to promoting cultural collaborations and advocating for the rights… More
PEN America to Honor Darnella Frazier, Young Woman Who Documented George Floyd’s Murder
“With nothing more than a cell phone and sheer guts, Darnella changed the course of history in this country, sparking a bold movement demanding an end to systemic anti-Black… More
PEN America Rejects Proposed DHS Visa Changes for Foreign Nationals
“The last thing the United States should be doing is putting unnecessary bureaucratic impediments in the way of foreign journalists." More
Zoom Disallows Webinar Featuring Controversial Speaker
"There are good reasons why our telephone companies and internet providers do not act as message police, allowing access to their platforms only for those whose messages are pre-approved." More