Global free expression faces profound challenges as writers and journalists are increasingly silenced. Join PEN International to ensure no one is imprisoned for speaking freely. Donate today: www.justgiving.com/campaign/pen...
PEN International
@peninternational.bsky.social
Defending freedom of expression and promoting literature worldwide since 1921.
PEN Belarus (@penbelarus.bsky.social) has published its latest monitoring report on violations of cultural rights and the human rights of cultural figures in Belarus, covering January–June 2026. Read the full report ⬇️ penbelarus.org/en/2026/07/3...
Monitoring of violations of cultural rights and human rights of cultural figures. Belarus, January – June 2026 – PEN Belarus
This report draws on data collected by the PEN Belarus monitoring group from open sources, personal contacts, and direct communication with cultural figures. The information reflects the situation at ...
penbelarus.org
#Cuba: Cuba's Supreme Court has upheld the 6-year prison sentence against writer & journalist José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez, exhausting his final appeal. PEN International calls for his immediate release. Read our statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/cuba-tr...
Cuba: Trial of writer José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez set to open — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘Cuban writers and artists continue to face relentless persecution for their books, articles, and protests. The government’s systematic efforts to silence them reveal the profound fear of free express...
pen-international.org
At the Africa Media Festival, PEN International's Nduko O'Matigere joined Vanessa Tsehaye, Yirgalem Fisseha and Muthoki Mumo for a panel highlighting Eritrea's 12 disappeared writers and journalists. Watch the full panel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-Aq...
Silenced, Not Gone: Why Eritrea’s Jailed Journalists Still Matter
YouTube video by Baraza Media Lab
youtube.com
#Mexico: PEN International calls for urgent action to protect journalists amid escalating violence. Authorities must defend media workers and freedom of expression. Read our full statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/mxico-k...
Mexico: Killing of journalists condemned - at least five murdered in six weeks — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘The appalling crimes against journalists in Mexico are not isolated, but part of a pattern that threatens freedom of expression itself. Journalists must be able to work without fear of violence. The ...
pen-international.org
@atriskartists.bsky.social's Raíces en Tránsito brings together 30 Cuban artists and writers in exile whose work explores repression and artistic freedom. The exhibition reflects many of the issues documented in our 2026 Case List. If you're in Madrid this September, don't miss it!
#Argentina PEN International is alarmed by escalating attacks on the press under Milei's government, where journalists are barred from briefings and branded "criminal associations." Read our full statement: www.pen-international.org/news/argenti...
Argentina: Escalating attacks and restrictions against the press signals deepening crisis for freedom of expression — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression World...
‘Freedom of expression cannot flourish in a context where journalists, writers and other cultural actors are systematically stigmatised, excluded from public spaces, or portrayed as enemies of the off...
pen-international.org
New from our Young Writers Committee initiative, Tomorrow Club: Yemeni humanitarian worker Anas Al-Aslami on surviving an airstrike that killed his colleagues and why young people in crisis aren't just victims, they're first responders. Read it here: tomorrowclub.world/articles/yem...
Yemen: the War Forgotten by the World
tomorrowclub.world
#Serbia: Writers across the country continue to face harassment from authorities and pro-government trolls. We stand with them and call on international actors to redouble efforts to end this relentless crackdown. Read our statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/serbia-...
Serbia: End pervasive crackdown on dissent and rights — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘The situation in Serbia is at breaking point. PEN International stands with the myriad writers who continue to be harassed by the authorities and pro-government trolls merely for daring to speak out....
pen-international.org
#Thailand: We are joining organisations and advocates around the world in calling on the Thai authorities to halt the forcible return of Chinese journalist Bai Zhaodong to China, where he faces a grave risk of persecution and serious human rights violations. www.pen-international.org/news/thailan...
Thailand: Urgent call to halt the forcible return of journalist Bai Zhaodong to China — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
21 July 2026: PEN International is joining organisations and advocates around the world in calling on the Thai authorities to halt the forcible return of Chinese journalist Bai Zhaodong to China, wh...
pen-international.org
#Italy: The murder of journalist Luca Esposito is deeply shocking. We call on the Italian authorities to conduct a full, prompt and transparent investigation into his killing, including whether it was connected to his journalistic work. en.ilsole24ore.com/art/a-man-fr...
Journalist Luca Esposito murdered and set alight in the Salerno area
A sports journalist was shot dead and his body set alight. The investigation has been entrusted to the Salerno Public Prosecutor’s Office, headed by Raffaele Cantone
en.ilsole24ore.com
#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
#Egypt: Tomorrow, Ahmed Douma will attend his appeal hearing. PEN International calls on the Egyptian Court of Appeal to quash his unjust sentence, uphold his right to freedom of expression, and release him immediately and unconditionally. Read more: www.pen-international.org/news/egypt-t...
Egypt: The Court of Appeal should quash the unjust sentence against Poet Ahmed Douma — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘With poet Ahmed Douma’s appeal hearing due to take place imminently, the Court of Appeal has an opportunity to reverse a grave miscarriage of justice and to reaffirm Egypt’s constitutional protection...
pen-international.org
#Serbia: We urge the authorities to launch a prompt and thorough investigation into the brutal assault on writer Vladimir Arsenijević. Entrenched impunity for crimes against writers and journalists in the country must be addressed. Read our statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/serbia-...
Serbia: Violent attack on writer Vladimir Arsenijević condemned — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘The brutal assault on writer Vladimir Arsenijević comes in the wake of a pervasive crackdown on dissent in Serbia. As we express our full solidarity with Arsenijević, we once again urge the Serbian a...
pen-international.org
#Egypt: Ahead of Ahmed Douma’s appeal hearing in two days, PEN International joins a global coalition of civil society and human rights organisations calling for his immediate and unconditional release. Read the full statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/egypt-a...
Egypt: Ahead of Expected Judgment in Appeal, Civil Society Organisations Globally Call for the Release of Ahmed Douma — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worl...
14 July 2026: PEN International joins a global coalition of civil society and human rights organisations calling on the Egyptian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Egyptian activis...
pen-international.org
#China: Nine years after Liu Xiaobo’s death in state custody, we join the Independent Chinese PEN Centre and PEN America in calling for the release of writers imprisoned for free expression. Read the joint statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/china-n...
China: nine years after Liu Xiaobo’s death in custody, risks for writers persist — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘Liu Xiaobo embodied nonviolent resistance with a lifetime of hardship, sacrificing his own liberty to unveil the grim reality of a populace deprived of freedom. In his final journey toward death, wha...
pen-international.org
#Mexico: PEN International mourns the killing of journalist Roxana Berenice Guzmán Ramírez, abducted from her home on 2 June and confirmed dead on 3 July. Read our full update and calls ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/mexico-... @penamericas.bsky.social
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
PEN International congratulates Leopoldo Maldonado Gutiérrez on his appointment as UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression. www.article19.org/resources/un...
Leopoldo Maldonado appointed UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression - ARTICLE 19
Leopoldo Maldonado, Regional Director for ARTICLE 19 Mexico and Central America, has been appointed as UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expr...
article19.org
#Eritrea: PEN International welcomes the UN Human Rights Council's renewal of the Special Rapporteur's mandate on Eritrea. We stand with Eritrean civil society and human rights defenders, and hope this renewal drives progress on Eritrea's human rights obligations. indepthnews.net/eritrean-hum...
Eritrean Human Rights Mandate Renewed as UN Council Defies Opposition
By Daniel Tesfa and Filmon Gebremikael ANTWERPEN | Belgium | 6 July 2026 (IDN) — The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has voted to renew the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situ...
indepthnews.net
Poets, writers and artists will gather on 29 July at 4.00 pm BST to celebrate the life and work of Federico García Lorca through readings and reflections. Register for your free ticket via the link ⬇️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-poetry...
The Poetry of Freedom: Honouring Federico García Lorca
Join us online as we celebrate Lorca's life through his poetry, from his early years to his assassination.
eventbrite.co.uk
Congratulations to Jacqueline Rose on being awarded the PEN Pinter Prize 2026. We join @englishpen.bsky.social in celebrating Jacqueline's fearless voice. She'll receive the award at the British Library this October. Book your tickets here: www.englishpen.org/posts/news/j...
Jacqueline Rose awarded PEN Pinter Prize 2026 - English PEN
englishpen.org
#Türkiye: As #NATO leaders meet in Ankara this week, PEN International joins @ecpmf.bsky.social and partners in urging the release of journalists detained. Türkiye's crackdown on free speech must end at once. Read our joint statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/trkiye-...
Türkiye: Release journalists detained ahead of NATO Summit — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
08 July 2026 – PEN International joins the undersigned media freedom, freedom of expression, journalists’ and human rights organisations in expressing profound alarm at the recent wave of detentions a...
pen-international.org
Days after writing this letter from prison, Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy began a hunger strike after being denied books, writing materials and clothing. We call for his rights to be restored immediately. Read the full letter: www.pen-international.org/cases/galal-...
#Türkiye: We condemn the authorities’ brutal crackdown on freedom of expression and assembly in the lead up to the NATO summit in Ankara and urge the release of all those held solely for their peaceful expression bianet.org/haber/turkey...
Turkey detains dozens, including journalists, in new wave of raids ahead of NATO summit
Journalists, lawyers, academics, students and members of various socialist groups are targeted in a "terror" investigation following a similar crackdown last week.
bianet.org
For 25 years, 12 writers and journalists have not been seen by their families. Where are they? The Eritrean authorities refuse to say. We demand they break their silence and show #ProofOfLife. Join us in demanding answers: www.pen-international.org/proof-of-lif... #Free12Eritreans
pen-international.org
Sri Lanka: PEN International calls on authorities to release the seized books of Tamil writer Theepachelvan Piratheepan. Censorship has no place in a free society. Read our full statement ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/news/sri-lan...
Sri Lanka: PEN International calls for the release of books by Tamil writer Theepachelvan Piratheepan — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘The continued confiscation of Theepachelvan Piratheepan’s books is an act of censorship that strikes at the very heart of literary freedom. Writers must be free to write without fear that their work ...
pen-international.org
#EVENT: Ninety years after Lorca was killed at the start of the Spanish Civil War, his words still defy oppression. Join us on 29 July for The Poetry of Freedom, live and recorded readings from acclaimed writers and artists. Book your free ticket here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-poetry...
The Poetry of Freedom: Honouring Federico García Lorca
Join us online as we celebrate Lorca's life through his poetry, from his early years to his assassination.
eventbrite.co.uk
Today, on the anniversary of Victoria Amelina's death, we remember her through her words. Poem About a Crow was inspired by her interviews with women who lived through Russian occupation. Translated by Uilleam Blacker.
#Ukraine: Today marks 3 years since PEN member Victoria Amelina died from injuries sustained in a Russian missile strike. We pay homage to Amelina’s fearlessness and rich literary legacy, and renew calls for justice and accountability. www.pen-international.org/news/ukraine...
Ukraine: A tribute to PEN member Victoria Amelina — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
“There are wounds only stories can heal”. Victoria Amelina, London Book Fair, April 2023 01 July 2024: Today marks one year since PEN Ukraine member and war crimes investigator Victoria Amelin...
pen-international.org
#Venezuela: Press freedom is lifesaving during humanitarian crises. Journalists reporting on rescue efforts and aid need protection and unrestricted access to information. PEN International urge authorities to guarantee freedom of expression. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Strong aftershock terrifies Venezuelans days after devastating twin quakes
Caracas and La Guaira affected by 4.6-magnitude tremor as death toll passes 1,700 and humanitarian crisis grows
theguardian.com