Articles by PEN International
WiPC fears for safety of arbitrarily detained journalist
**Updates IFEX alerts of 3 March, 23, 11 and 2 February and 29 January 2000** (WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is concerned over the unlawful and continued detention of journalist Andre Domingos Mussamo, and fears for his health and safety. According to information received by WiPC, Mussamo is held in violation of his right to freedom of […]
WiPC Special Action for International Women’s Day honours three women
The following is a WiPC special action for International Women’s Day 2000, highlighting the cases of women writers and journalists who have faced persecution and who were especially active in campaigning for women’s rights: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 8 MARCH 2000 International Women’s Day is a time when the Writers in Prison of Committee highlights the […]
Journalist Andrei Babitsky freed
Russian journalist Andrei Babitsky, who disappeared in mid-January in Chechnya, was released in Moscow by Russian police on 28 February 2000. The Reuters news agency states that Acting President Vladimir Putin personally intervened in the case, leading to Babitskyâs release. Reports suggest that Babitsky was held for having used false documentation to enable him to […]
Increased concerns for the health of writer and political activist Marta Beatriz Roque Cabello
The WiPC of International PEN has been receiving increasingly alarming reports concerning the state of health of writer and political activist Marta Beatriz Roque Cabello. According to these reports, Roque Cabello is suffering from a serious breast condition which may or may not be cancerous, as well as other ailments probably caused or aggravated by […]
Poet remains imprisoned
The WiPC of International PEN is alarmed at the reported arrests of four writers for publishing an underground literary journal. The Committee fears that the four men may be detained solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which […]
Fears heighten for safety of journalist Andrei Babitsky
The situation of Russian journalist Andrei Babitsky, who “disappeared” in Chechnya in mid-January 2000, appears to be increasingly dangerous. After initially suggesting that he was arrested by Russian forces for inadequate press accreditation, Russian authorities now claim that he was handed over to Chechen forces in exchange for Russian soldiers. Chechen authorities deny that the […]
Historian, librarian and writer Song Yongyi released
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN has received confirmation that historian, librarian and writer Song Yongyi was released on 29 January 2000. Song Yongyi has returned to the United States to be with his family. At present WiPC has no further details. WiPC thanks all who sent appeals on this case.
Flora Brovina appeals twelve year sentence, Halil Matoshi released
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 9 December 1999, Flora Brovina, a Kosovo Albanian poet, pediatrician and women’s rights activist, was sentenced to twelve years in prison. On 21 January, her legal defense filed an appeal to the Serbian Supreme Court against the judgment. International PEN continues to call for Brovina’s release. On 21 January 2000, Rajko Danilovic, […]