Articles by PEN International
Former editor released, another editor still imprisoned
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release of Lubaba Said on 8 January 2003, confirmation of which has just been received. Said, the former editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Tarik”, was handed down a one-year sentence on 3 April 2002 for “fabricating news that could have a negative psychological effect on members of […]
International PEN speaks out against impunity on International Women’s Day, highlights cases in Russia, Iran, Algeria
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 3 March 2003 International PEN press release: International Women’s Day 8 March 2003 Impunity and Freedom of Expression International Women’s Day, 8 March, is an occasion marked by organisations around the world. This 8 March, International PEN places the spotlight on the stories of courageous women who have exercised […]
Appeal date set for journalist; president’s daughter suggests case may be “politically motivated”
(WiPC/IFEX) – An appeal against Sergei Duvanov’s sentence will be heard on 11 March 2003. Duvanov, a Kazakh journalist renowned for his articles alleging government corruption, is serving a three and a half year sentence on charges of “rape of a minor”. The WiPC of International PEN shares the concern of other free expression and […]
Internet writer Tao Haidong sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is deeply alarmed at reports that Xinjiang Internet writer Tao Haidong has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment. PEN considers him to be detained primarily for his criticism of the Chinese authorities, in violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Tao Haidong was reportedly […]
Academic Hashem Aghajari’s death sentence repealed, retrial ordered
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN welcomes reports that the death sentence handed down to Professor Hashem Aghajari for apostasy on 9 November 2002 has been quashed. However, the organisation remains concerned at reports that Aghajari will be required to reappear before the same court that ordered his execution and that the death penalty […]
Poet and writer Marwan Osman on trial
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is concerned over the detention and trial of poet and writer Marwan Osman, a member of the Kurdish PEN Centre. On 10 December 2002, the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Unity Party (SKDUP) held a peaceful demonstration with some 200 participants before the National Assembly in Damascus. Osman was arrested […]
WiPC to launch freedom of expression campaign
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 12 February 2003 WiPC press release: INTERNATIONAL P.E.N. WRITERS IN PRISON COMMITTEE CAMPAIGN ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN VIETNAM February/March 2003 The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is launching a campaign on freedom of expression in Vietnam on 17 February 2003 as a result of the recent […]
Writer and academic Lesley McCulloch released
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release of Lesley McCulloch on 9 February 2003. British academic and writer McCulloch was released from jail in Indonesia following the expiry of her five-month custodial sentence. She is reportedly planning to return to her post at the University of Tasmania, where she will resume research […]