In this report, PEN America will provide an in-depth analysis of the countries that detain and imprison the largest numbers of writers and intellectuals and explore the impact of the pandemic on the freedom to write; the role of these individuals in protest movements; and the continued threats to writers and intellectuals working in languages subject to political repression.
Egypt’s Morsi creates shroud of secrecy around report on abuse of protesters
The media recently published leaked sections of the report highlighting police use of live gunfire against protesters in Alexandria and Suez, and the military’s role in the use of force against protesters and enforced disappearances.
Nepalese journalist threatened by movie star; peaceful protesters detained
A Nepalese reporter was threatened by an actor who was angered over his piece on Nepali film, while various activists protesting violence against women were detained for a few hours.
Bahrain escalates crackdown on opposition ahead of F1 race
In advance of the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend of 19-21 April 2013, Bahraini authorities are carrying out home raids and arbitrarily detaining opposition protesters, particularly those who live in towns close by or next to the race track.
Police in the plaza: Repression of public protests in Spain
The international economic crisis led to widespread demonstrations that changed the face of citizen protest in Spain. But now there is a move to criminalise one of the most powerful movements in recent years.
Police in the plaza: Repression of public protests in Spain
The international economic crisis led to widespread demonstrations that changed the face of citizen protest in Spain. But now there is a move to criminalise one of the most powerful movements in recent years.
Israeli forces kill two Palestinian teenagers during protests
Israeli forces, using live ammunition, shot dead two young Palestinian protesters during demonstrations that were staged in honour of Palestinian prisoner Maysara Abu Hamdiyeh who died of cancer in Israeli custody.
Israeli forces kill two Palestinian teenagers during protests
Israeli forces, using live ammunition, shot dead two young Palestinian protesters during demonstrations that were staged in honour of Palestinian prisoner Maysara Abu Hamdiyeh who died of cancer in Israeli custody.
Egypt’s repressive draft law on NGOs examined
The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights has submitted an official memo to the head of the Egyptian Shura Council detailing grey areas in the NGOs law being proposed and recommendations to better it.
Morocco sentences nine Sahrawis to life in prison
A Moroccan military court has sentenced 25 Sahrawis to prison, including nine to life sentences, without looking into their allegations that their confessions were extracted under torture and other forms of coercion.
Free speech takes a beating in Greece
Police brutality, censorship and deportation are among the issues faced by journalists and activists in crisis-stricken Greece, where a climate of terror prevails.
Protests supporting jailed rights defender suppressed in Bahrain
Protests have been held this week around the world to support jailed human rights defender Nabeel Rajab to mark the Global Week of Action which aims to draw attention to the ongoing injustice Rajab is being subjected to.
Peaceful protestors attacked by security forces in Cambodia
Protestors seeking a solution to a long-running land dispute were attacked by a range of security forces near the Cambodian Prime Minister’s home.
Groups condemn persecution of activists and journalists in Azerbaijan
The International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan, along with local NGOs, condemn the persecution of nine journalists, protesters and human rights defenders for exercising their right to freedom of expression and information in Azerbaijan in recent weeks.
Zimbabwe police must end crackdown on civil society, group says
Since December 2012, the ZANU-PF controlled police have carried out an apparent campaign of politically motivated abuses against civil society activists and organizations, Human Rights Watch said.
Is Bahrain serious about reform?
Despite the ongoing repression, the Bahraini government seems to think it can persuade Western allies that a real reform process is under way.
Police prevent journalists from staging demonstration in Togo
On 14 March, security forces in Togo prevented a group of journalists from staging a demonstration. The journalists were protesting a law that makes it easier for the media regulatory body to impose sanctions on the media.