Articles by PEN International
More journalists released, WiPC protests prosecution of writer, publishers
(WiPC/IFEX) – Yilmaz Odabasi and Ismail Besikci are among those released in recent amnesty; however, a new case is pressed against the writer Nadire Mater and her publishers. On 2 September 1999, President Suleyman Demirel signed a new law approved earlier by the Turkish Parliament ordering the release and/or pardon of dozens of journalists and […]
Amnesty law is passed, orders release of many, but not all, writers and journalists
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 2 September 1999, President Suleyman Demirel signed a new law approved earlier by the Turkish Parliament ordering the release and/or pardon of dozens of journalists and writers. **For background on cases of imprisoned journalists and writers see IFEX alerts of 10 August, 23 July, 8 July, 6 July, 11 June, 20 May, […]
Journalist remains detained without charge
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC is disturbed by the arrest of Senan Shaqdeh, a prominent journalist. Shaqdeh was arrested on 25 July 1999 and has now been held without charge or trial for more than two weeks. **Updates IFEX alert of 26 July 1999** According to several reports the WiPC has received, Shaqdeh was arrested in […]
WiPC concerned by arrests of journalists, closure of newspapers
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a WiPC press release: **Updates IFEX alerts of 27 July, 26 July, 21 July, 15 July, 8 July 1999 and others** During the recent period of popular unrest in Iran, several journalists writing for pro-reformist papers have been arrested and/or charged with serious offences. The Writers in Prison Committee has […]
Concern about writer’s health following recent prison transfer
(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN is gravely concerned about writer and journalist Gamachu Malka Fufa (also known as Moti Biyya*, pen name) who was taken ill shortly after being transferred to Asella, 150 km south of the capital Addis Ababa. The transfer took place at the end of March 1999 and PEN is not aware of […]
Writers Teki Dervishi and Din Mehmeti now known to be alive
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is finally able to confirm the good news that two writers who were reported by NATO at the outbreak of the war in Kosovo as having been among five writers and intellectuals assassinated on 29 March 1999, are alive and well. Teki Dervishi, a well-known Albanian poet, is currently living in Skopje, […]
Religious scholar and writer released from prison
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC reports that the writer and scholar Shaikh Al-Jamri, who was sentenced on 7 July 1999 to ten years’ imprisonment and a massive fine, has been pardoned by the Amir of Bahrain and unexpectedly released. **Updates IFEX alerts of 1 July, 16 April and 15 February 1999, 17 February 1998, 11 October, 4 […]
Writer faces trial hearing
(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN is concerned that the writer and scholar, Shaikh Al-Jamri, who has now been in prison without trial for nearly three and a half years, might be sentenced to a long prison-term for his opposition activities. The organisation is appealing to the Amir of Bahrain to, at the very least, allow independent […]