PEN America

Articles by PEN America

Link to: Obama administration to take steps to facilitate free exchange of ideas across borders, State Department says

Obama administration to take steps to facilitate free exchange of ideas across borders, State Department says

The State Department said it would give “sympathetic weight” to those seeking to enter the US to fulfill speaking engagements, attend conferences and accept teaching positions.

Link to: PEN American Center calls on Smithsonian institution to reinstate controversial video

PEN American Center calls on Smithsonian institution to reinstate controversial video

The National Portrait Gallery pulled the video, which artist David Wojnarowicz created to commemorate a partner who died of complications of AIDS.

Link to: Blogger Kareem Amer released from prison

Blogger Kareem Amer released from prison

PEN American Center said Amer should never have been arrested or imprisoned in the first place.

Link to: PEN American Center concerned about increased pressure on PEN members

PEN American Center concerned about increased pressure on PEN members

The pressure appears to be part of a campaign to limit information about the awarding of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo.

Link to: Liu Xiaobo, imprisoned Chinese writer, wins Nobel Peace Prize

Liu Xiaobo, imprisoned Chinese writer, wins Nobel Peace Prize

Liu Xiaobo is a literary critic, writer and political activist who is serving an 11-year sentence in a Chinese prison.

Link to: Five IFEX members urge UN to abandon efforts to prohibit defamation of religions

Five IFEX members urge UN to abandon efforts to prohibit defamation of religions

Writers and free-expression advocates from around the world warn of the potential harm of imposing legal restrictions on expression considered offensive or defamatory to religions.

Link to: Writer Liao Yiwu finally permitted to travel outside China

Writer Liao Yiwu finally permitted to travel outside China

Liao had been invited to appear at literary events in Germany several times in recent years, but the government had always stepped in and prevented him from attending.

Link to: Writers support Park51 project, religious freedom

Writers support Park51 project, religious freedom

PEN American Center members support the free exercise of religion as a fundamental benchmark of freedom of expression.