(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is an International PEN press release: International Writers’ Meeting Opposes Repressive Anti-terrorism Legislation LONDON, 3 December — At its annual meeting held in London on 27-30 November, International PEN condemned the emergency anti-terrorism measures currently being adopted by governments around the world that endanger democratic principles and essential human rights, including […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is an International PEN press release:
International Writers’ Meeting Opposes Repressive Anti-terrorism Legislation
LONDON, 3 December — At its annual meeting held in London on 27-30 November, International PEN condemned the emergency anti-terrorism measures currently being adopted by governments around the world that endanger democratic principles and essential human rights, including freedom of expression.
“The atrocities of September 11 should not be exploited by governments to assume extraordinary, unjustified powers to curtail freedom of expression,” said Homero Aridjis, the President of International PEN. “We are alarmed that such legislation and executive orders are being planned or have already been passed by the government of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Denmark, Russia and others.”
The meeting also sent an urgent appeal to the government of the Czech Republic, on behalf of the Uzbek writer, Mohammed Salih, who is held in Prague and who faces extradition. The 130 delegates at the meeting urged that Mr Salih be released and returned to Norway, where he has been granted political asylum.
In addition, the meeting sent an appeal to the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning reports that the distinguished journalist, Siamak Pourzand, was abducted in Tehran on November 27.
A resolution was passed urging the government of Mexico to abide by its international obligations to free Brigadier General José Francisco Gallardo Rodriquez, whose case is being heard by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in Costa Rica. Other resolutions concerning violations of freedom of expression were passed on the situations in China, Iran, Bangladesh, Russia, Vietnam, Eritrea, Syria, Zimbabwe, Turkey and Cuba.
International PEN is a worldwide organisation of writers committed to the promotion of literature and understanding across national boundaries and cultures. It was founded in London eighty years ago and currently consists of 133 centres in 94 countries around the world.
“In the aftermath of the attacks, and as the war in Afghanistan continues to claim victims,” said Mr. Aridjis, “it must be the role of International PEN to act according to our Charter: to do our utmost to dispel race, class and national hatreds, and to champion the ideal of one humanity living in peace in one world.”
