#Peru: We join fellow freedom of expression organisations in urging Peru's judiciary to dismiss a new criminal defamation complaint against journalist Paola Ugaz, over her reporting on abuse within the Sodalitium of Christian Life. Our joint statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/peru-re...

Peru: Renewed judicial harassment of investigative journalist Paola Ugaz condemned by freedom of expression organisations — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression W...

The undersigned freedom of expression and press freedom organisations urge Peru’s judiciary to dismiss the complaint filed on 17 August by the Asociación Civil San Juan Bautista (ACSJB) against in...

pen-international.org

#Guatemala: We congratulate journalist José Rubén Zamora on receiving PEN Germany’s 2026 Hermann Kesten Prize. We renew our call for an end to his persecution, the lifting of his house arrest & dropping of all charges. pen-deutschland.de/jose-ruben-z... @penamericas.bsky.social

José Rubén Zamora Marroquín erhält Hermann Kesten-Preis 2026 des PEN Deutschland – PEN DEUTSCHLAND

Der Hermann Kesten-Preis des PEN Deutschland, gestiftet vom Hessischen Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Forschung, Kunst und Kultur, geht in diesem Jahr an den guatemaltekischen Journalisten und Verle...

pen-deutschland.de

A bookstore in Toronto says that around June 2026, he started getting "very suspicious" calls for bulk orders of used books for seemingly random lists of books: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

Used bookstores navigate 'suspicious' bulk orders amid AI book-shredding fears | CBC News

Used booksellers in Canada are navigating how to handle mysterious bulk orders, as suspicions grow that companies are buying up their old books so they can be scanned for AI training — and then trashe...

cbc.ca

Public libraries nationwide are reaching a breaking point as a result of mounting pressures to censor collections, increased intimidation against library staff, and disruptions to library operations, according to a new report today by PEN America. Read the release: pen.org/press-releas...

Report: Public Libraries Face 'Existential Threat,' Putting Books, Information and People at Risk

Public libraries nationwide are reaching a breaking point as a result of mounting pressures to censor collections, increased intimidation against library staff, and disruptions to library operations, ...

pen.org

Canadians have less time and attention for books. With the advent of smartphones, social media, and AI, attention spans are shrinking, as is our ability to grapple with complex text. PEN spoke with CBC on why Canadians are reading less and how this impacts the world: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

#Cuba: After 5 years of unjust imprisonment, #LuisManuelOteroAlcántara has arrived safely in Miami. They took away his freedom & made exile the price of regaining it—but they could not silence his voice. www.pen-international.org/news/pen-int... @atriskartists.bsky.social @penamericas.bsky.social

PEN International, ARC and nd Civil Rights Defenders welcome the freedom of Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldw...

20 July 2026: PEN International, ARC–Artists at Risk Connection, PEN Cuba in Exile, and Civil Rights Defenders welcome Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara ’s freedom after five years of unju...

pen-international.org

#Mexico: Journalists face abductions, death threats, and judicial harassment — all in just over a month. We call on the authorities to end the intimidation of journalists and protect those at risk. Read our full statement: www.pen-international.org/news/mexico-...

Mexico: PEN International alarmed by escalating attacks on journalists and critical voices — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide

‘Mexico is experiencing a worrying moment for freedom of expression. Attacks against journalists, smear campaigns, threats, and the use of legal mechanisms to restrict reporting create a chilling effe...

pen-international.org

#Colombia: PEN International condemns the killing of journalist Cristian Herrera Nariño in Cúcuta. He reported on corruption and violence along the Colombia–Venezuela border despite repeated threats. Authorities must investigate and bring those responsible to justice. cpj.org/es/2026/06/a...

Asesinan en el norte de Colombia al periodista y defensor de la libertad de prensa Cristian Herrera Nariño - Committee to Protect Journalists

Bogotá, 8 de junio de 2026 — Las autoridades colombianas deben investigar con rapidez el asesinato del periodista y defensor de la libertad de prensa Cristian Herrera Nariño, determinar si fue atacado...

cpj.org

#Mexico: PEN International condemns the murder of journalist Luis Ángel López Valdez, shot dead on 11 June in Poza Rica, Veracruz. We urgently call on the authorities to investigate his killing and bring those responsible to justice. latamjournalismreview.org/news/crime-r...

Crime reporter Luis Ángel López murdered in Veracruz, Mexico

Crime reporter Luis Ángel López murdered in Veracruz, Mexico

latamjournalismreview.org

#Guatemala: We welcome the withdrawal of criminal charges against the journalists of "elPeriódico" as a positive step for free expression. Together with partners, we will continue to defend journalists and monitor developments in the country. @penamericas.bsky.social www.swissinfo.ch/spa/el-nuevo...

El nuevo fiscal general de Guatemala desiste de persecución penal contra periodistas

Ciudad de Guatemala, 8 jun (EFE).- El Ministerio Público (Fiscalía) de Guatemala desistió de la persecución penal que había empezado en 2022 la exfiscal general Consuelo Porras, sancionada por corrupc...

swissinfo.ch

#Venezuela: Venezuela's Amnesty Law has been revoked, and journalist Rory Branker, denied relief even while it stood, still faces criminal charges after nearly a year in arbitrary detention. Read our statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/venezue...

Venezuela: PEN International demands the withdrawal of charges against journalist Rory Branker  — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide

‘The Venezuelan authorities must end the judicial persecution of Rory Daniel Branker and others detained or prosecuted for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression. Those released fr...

pen-international.org

PEN America today criticized the Trump administration for what appears to be “blatant intimidation” in the FCC’s ordering an early license review for ABC one day after President Trump called for the firing of comedian Jimmy Kimmel for a joke he made about the First Lady. pen.org/press-releas...

#Venezuela: We have been informed of, and welcomes the release of journalist Leocenis Manuel García Osorio. He should never have been imprisoned. We urge Venezuelan authorities to free all journalists still unjustly detained. @penamericas.bsky.social www.pen-international.org/news/venezue...

Venezuela: PEN International calls for the release of journalists detained amid deepening crackdown  — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide

“No society can thrive in silence. To persecute those who inform is to deny citizens their right to the truth. We demand the immediate release of detained Venezuelan journalists, an end to state haras...

pen-international.org

Did you know that there's a database of banned books across Canada? If you've heard of a ban, the @cfetmu.bsky.social encourage all libraries (public, school, academic, and government) in Canada to add it to this online resource by completing a simple form: cfe.torontomu.ca/databases/ca...

The Canadian Library Challenges Database | Centre for Free Expression

The CFE-CFLA/FCAB Canadian Library Challenges Database provides access to challenges libraries have faced to items in their collection, and to displays, programs, room usage, and computer access.

cfe.torontomu.ca

The Writers Unlimited Festival opened at Het Nationale Theater to Olivia Newton-John’s Physical, a playful reminder of the importance of being present for conversation. The festival has already brought together Lisa Weeda, Leïla Slimani and Zoya Miari on stage and continues over the next two days.

#Cuba: We condemn the prison sentences against writer José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez and artist Fernando Almenares Rivera (Nando OBDC), alongside partners. Read our joint statement with @atriskartists.bsky.social and Civil Rights Defenders ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/cuba-th...

Cuba: The unjust convictions against José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez and rapper Nando OBDC must be overturned  — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide

27 January 2026 — Civil Rights Defenders, ARC – Artists at Risk Connection, PEN Cuba in Exile, and PEN International strongly condemn the prison sentences imposed on the Cuban writer and independent j...

pen-international.org

Fighting Book Bans, Coast to Coast: Across America, publishers, libraries, and literary organizations are building a formidable litigation slate to ensure the availability of books in public and school libraries. www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...

Fighting Book Bans, Coast to Coast

Legal teams fan out to the north, south, east, and west for the freedom to read.

publishersweekly.com

#USA: We are gravely concerned about the FBI’s raid on reporter Hannah Natanson’s home in connection with a government contractor investigation — an alarming escalation that strikes at the core of press freedom. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026... @washingtonpost.com @penamericas.bsky.social

FBI raids home of Washington Post reporter in ‘highly unusual and aggressive’ move

Agents searched Hannah Natanson’s Virginia home and seized devices in inquiry tied to a classified materials case

theguardian.com

#Venezuela: PEN International welcomes the release of five journalists but condemns their arbitrary detention. We remain deeply concerned for Rory Branker, still detained. All writers and journalists must be freed now. Read our statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/venezue...

Venezuela: Following the release of five journalists, imprisoned journalist Rory Branker must also be freed  — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide

‘ The arbitrary detention of writers and journalists solely for doing their jobs is a grave injustice and a direct assault on the public’s right to know. While we welcome the release of five journalis...

pen-international.org

President Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the BBC, which seeks an extraordinary $10 billion, represents a coercive ploy to globalize his domestic threats to a free and independent press and to chill reporting overseas, says PEN America. Full statement: pen.org/press-releas...

By Suing the BBC, President Trump Exports His Anti-Press Tactics Abroad

President Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the BBC, which seeks an extraordinary $10 billion, represents a coercive ploy to globalize his domestic threats to a free and independent press and to chil...

pen.org

PEN America: Cancellation of 60 Minutes segment—reportedly because the Trump administration refused to be interviewed—represents an abandonment of "central principles of press freedom and independent news gathering." Full statement: pen.org/press-releas... #60Minutes #Journalism #FreePress

After ‘60 Minutes’ Pulls Investigation on Deportations, PEN America Warns that Journalism Can’t Depend on Government Approval

The decision by Bari Weiss, the new CBS News editor in chief, to pull a “60 Minutes” segment on the deportation of Venezuelan migrants—reportedly because the Trump administration refused to be intervi...

pen.org

Calling Emerging Writers! The 2026 Emerging Voices Fellowship application opens January 1 and closes January 31, 2026. Join a vibrant community of writers, mentors, and readers committed to bold storytelling and creative growth. Apply this January. https://pen.org/emerging-voices-fellowship/

"It’s safe to say this assault on the press over the past year has probably been the most aggressive that we’ve seen in modern times," said Tim Richardson, program director for journalism and disinformation at PEN America. abcnews.go.com/Business/wir...

A rough year for journalists in 2025, with a little hope for things to turn around

By most measures, 2025 was a rough year for those who care about freedom of the press

abcnews.go.com

Statement: PEN America Decries Supreme Court Decision on Book Ban Case pen.org/press-releas... @penamericas.bsky.social #libraries #bookbans

#Cuba | PEN Internacional condena la detención arbitraria de los autores Alina Bárbara López y Jorge Fernández Era en Matanzas, hoy, 18 de diciciembre. Ambos han enfrentado una fuerte persecución por su literatura y activismo. Exigimos su liberación inmediata. diariodecuba.com/derechos-hum...

Arrestados por la policía política en Matanzas Alina Bárbara López y Jorge Fernández Era

La Seguridad del Estado en #Cuba retoma los #arrestos arbitrarios contra los intelectuales que se manifiestan pacíficamente cada día 18 exigiendo #libertades.

diariodecuba.com

#Cuba. PEN International condemns the arbitrary detention of writers Alina Bárbara López Hernández and Jorge Fernández Era in Matanzas on 18 Dec 2025. Both face persecution for their writing and activism. We demand their immediate release. diariodecuba.com/derechos-hum...

#Honduras: As harassment against journalists intensify before the elections, we join partner organisations in calling on authorities to deliver urgent guarantees to protect journalists and end the stigmatisation of the press. Read our joint statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/hondura...

Honduras: Serious international concern over the climate of harassment against the press in Honduras  — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide

19 November 2025: PEN International and fellow press freedom organisations warn of escalating harassment, stigmatisation, and threats against journalists in Honduras ahead of the 30 November elections...

pen-international.org

PEN International welcomes the UN statement on human rights and press freedom in Honduras ahead of the November 30 election. PEN and partners are contributing to the Honduras UPR process and a forthcoming assessment report. www.ohchr.org/sites/defaul...

SIGN OUR PETITION: He told the truth. They silenced him. Rory Branker has been disappeared and detained in Venezuela for doing his job as a journalist. Add your name to set him free — journalism is not a crime. www.pen-international.org/rory-branker... #RoryBranker #DayoftheImprisonedWriter

Rory Branker - Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2025 — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide

pen-international.org

#Cuba: Writer José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez has spent 1 year in prison for his words. Accused of “public disorder,” he faces up to 6 years. The Patmos Award 2025 honoured him and his late mother for their dedication to free expression. We call for his immediate release. @penamericas.bsky.social

PEN International - Las Américas y El Caribe@penamericas.bsky.social · 11mo ago

#Cuba. José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez cumplió un año en prisión el 8 de noviembre pasado. PEN Internacional reitera sus llamados a las autoridades cubanas y exige su liberación inmediata. Su detención y persecución evidencian los esfuerzos del gobierno por silenciar toda disidencia.