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PEN America is at the forefront of the fight to defend free expression, artistic freedom, and the free press in the United States and beyond. We research and report the challenges, host educational and advocacy events, draft op-eds, pressure governments and other powerful forces, and provide support to individual writers and artists at risk.
But for free expression to flourish, writers and readers everywhere must rise to the challenge of defending it, for all people. Please, join us by taking action below.
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Add Your Name: Join 100 Writers, Journalists, Artists, and Activists in Calling on the United Nations to Investigate the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi
Sign the letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for an immediate investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. More
Egypt: Health condition of detained writer Ibrahim al-Husseini deteriorating
PEN is deeply concerned about the health condition of Ibrahim al-Husseini, an Egyptian writer who has been detained since his arrest on December 9, 2018. More
Lebanon: Writer faces criminal charges for defamation
PEN is concerned about trial of Hani H. Nsouli, a Lebanese writer and political activist who has been recently transferred to the individual criminal Court in Beirut on charges of "defamation". More
Tell Imprisoned Writers: You Are Not Alone
This December, PEN America is collecting messages of solidarity to be delivered to imprisoned writers around the world. More
Mauritania: Blogger still detained one year after court decision quashing his death sentence
JOINT STATEMENT Although authorities should have released him in November 2017, Mohamed Mkhaïtir is still being detained in an undisclosed location His physical and mental health is deteriorating as a… More
Oppose the Protest Tax before October 15—Your Voice Matters
PEN America calls on its Members and supporters to oppose the Trump Administration’s effort to effectively “tax” protests in the nation’s capital. More
Russia: Oleg Sentsov in critical condition
Ukrainian filmmaker and writer Oleg Sentsov, who has been on hunger strike since 14 May 2018, is reportedly in a critical condition. According to his lawyer, who visited him… More
Nearly 90 Days Into His Hunger Strike, Oleg Sentsov Needs Our Support More Than Ever
In anticipation of the 90th day of his hunger strike, we encourage everyone to tweet about Oleg Sentsov asking for his immediate release. More
Russia, When Do You Plan to Release Sentsov?
Oleg is an artist; freedom is everything to him. Yet after four years in prison he is starving himself not to demand his own release, but that of all… More
Israel: End judicial proceedings and ensure Dareen Tatour’s immediate release
Dareen Tatour, a Palestinian poet and citizen of Israel, was convicted by the Nazareth Magistrate's Court on May 3, 2018 on charges of incitement to violence and support for terror organizations. Tatour… More
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Yang Hengjun, an Australian citizen and author, was reportedly seized on Saturday during a visit to China. It’s obvious this would not have happened if it weren’t for his previous critical writings. https://t.co/U95PRBTRmA