Articles by PEN International
PEN letter to Serbia on confusion surrounding reported killings
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following text was sent by International PEN to President Milosevic in response to the confusion surrounding the reports that five people had been executed in Pristina, among them an editor and two writers. It is being circulated to PEN members who may have sent appeals on the killings as guidance for follow […]
Accuracy of Nato reports of killings of writers under question
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 30 March 1999, PEN issued an action on reports of the killing of editor Baton Haxhiu and four others, among them two writers. International PEN has been informed that while the death of Baton Haxhiu can be confirmed, there are now questions about the accuracy of reports of the deaths of the […]
Writers released
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC has received confirmation that writers Ma Thida and Nyi Pu Lay were released in February 1999 “on humanitarian grounds.” **Updates previous IFEX alerts on Ma Thida of 15 July and 2 May 1997 and 7 September 1995** Short-story writer, editor and doctor Ma Thida was arrested on 7 August 1993 and sentenced […]
Journalist dies of torture; safety concerns for another journalist
(WiPC/IFEX) – According to Amnesty International, journalist Bayram Namaz has been threatened and harassed by police since 9 March 1999, when he stated at a press conference that his fellow detainee Suleyman Yeter had died in custody as a result of torture. **For background on Namaz’s previous detention see IFEX alert of 11 October 1995** […]
Editor Baton Haxhiu and writers Teki Dervishi and Din Mehmeti executed
(WiPC/IFEX) – NATO reports that it has received news of the summary execution of five leading ethnic Albanian figures in Pristina on 28 March 1999. Among them are said to be the editor-in-chief of “Koha Ditore”, Baton Haxhiu and writers Teki Dervishi and Din Mehmeti. These reports follow the murder on 26 March of lawyer […]
Albanian journalists go into hiding as foreign media expelled from Pristina
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN fears for the safety of Albanian journalists in Pristina as reports are received suggesting that Serb forces are arresting dissidents. The expulsion of all foreign agencies and media from the region has left the area without independent observers or means of gathering information on events there. **Updates previous […]
Albanian journalists go into hiding as foreign media expelled from Pristina
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN fears for the safety of Albanian journalists in Pristina as reports are received suggesting that Serb forces are arresting dissidents. The expulsion of all foreign agencies and media from the region has left the area without independent observers or means of gathering information on events there. **Updates previous […]
International PEN deeply concerned about attacks on freedom of expression
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Yugoslav Government’s declaration of a state of war on 24 March 1999 in response to the NATO airstrikes leads International PEN to be deeply concerned about attacks upon freedom of expression. Reprisals have already been taken against the independent media and indeed these attacks have escalated since October 1998 when the Law […]