Advocacy
Enoh Meyomesse Returned to Hospital
According to Enoh Meyomesse’s friends and family, the imprisoned poet and activist has once again been admitted to the prison hospital in the overcrowded Kondengui Central Prison in Yaoundé. More
2014 World Cup Beyond the Headlines: Funk Music Banned
As Argentina and Germany go head-to-head this weekend, visitors to Brazil are more likely to hear racist chants the popular Brazilian 'baile funk'. More
Journalists Sentenced to 10 Years in Myanmar
In a setback for Myanmar's move toward democracy, one editor and four journalists were sentenced to 10 years in prison for reporting on the alleged government seizure of land… More
PEN Takes Action, Beijing Takes Notice
Beijing is trying to intimidate and isolate Ilham Tohti’s supporters. These paranoid security measures are in inverse proportion to the solidity of the case against him. More
Crappy Freedom, by Murong Xuecun
You can't imagine how much wisdom and energy the Chinese people have to expend on their choice of words. The year 1989 has become "the year before 1990," June… More
Independence Day: Give Thanks, Speak Freely, and Fight Back
That this country not only protects but exalts free expression, that we hold the fundamental conviction that the best way to combat evil is through dialogue, makes me as… More
China: What’s in a Law?
There seems to be a catch-all law for every form of speech the Chinese government finds disfavorable, despite the fact that China's constitution guarantees freedom of expression. More
Early Release of Writer and Human Rights Defender a Positive Step
PEN welcomes the release following an amnesty, on June 21, 2014, of the Belarusian writer and human rights defender Ales Bialiatski. The organization is calling for the Belarusian authorities… More
Chinese Authorities Confirm Ilham Tohti Has Not Yet Been Tried
While we are relieved to learn that justice was not yet completely thwarted in Ilham Tohti's case, PEN remains immensely concerned about Ilham's prospects for a fair trial if… More
Celebrating Sanctuary: Exiled Voices Speak Out on World Refugee Day
On World Refugee Day (June 20), PEN International is highlighting its work to protect writers at risk. More