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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.
April Featured Case: Gui Minhai
Gui Minhai, a Swedish book publisher, is currently in detention in Ningbo, China. He has been held against his will since October 2015, when Chinese security agents kidnapped him… More
Iran: Arrest followed by an enforced disappearance of poet
PEN condemns the enforced disappearance of poet Mohammad Bamm who was arrested by members of the Iranian security forces on December 31, 2017 while on his way home in the city… More
Egypt: blogger faces new prison sentence for ‘insulting the judiciary’
PEN is deeply concerned that blogger and activist Alaa Abd El Fattah could be subjected to a new prison sentence at his next hearing on December 30, 2017 under… More
Israel: Court rejects Dareen Tatour’s appeal to end her house arrest
PEN condemns the decision of the Israeli court in Nazareth, on December 4, 2017, to reject the appeal of Palestinian poet Dareen Tatour to end her house arrest. Consequently, Tatour… More
You Are Not Alone: Send a Letter of Support to a Writer At Risk
As many of us celebrate the holidays, hundreds of imprisoned and threatened writers around the world need your support. This December, PEN America is collecting messages of solidarity… More
Israel: Palestinian journalist released following hunger strike
PEN welcomes the release, on November 8, 2017, of prominent Palestinian journalist Muhammed al-Qiq. He had been detained by Israeli authorities for almost one year under administrative detention following… More
Saudi Arabia: Raif Badawi spends his 2000th day behind bars
PEN condemns the ongoing arbitrary detention of blogger Raif Badawi, currently serving a 10-year sentence in Saudi Arabia. PEN is also deeply concerned that the Saudi government will continue the lashing… More
Iran: Writer and poet released on bail
Author and poet Dr. Sedigheh Vasmaghi was released on bail on November 4, 2017. Vasmaghi had been held in Evin prison since October 22 where she was brought for… More
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To any writer artist who is at risk, or is in need of assistance, including those denied entry into the U.S. as a result of the latest Trump Administration travel ban. 
