PEN International

Articles by PEN International

Link to: On Human Rights Day, call for greater protection of linguistic rights

On Human Rights Day, call for greater protection of linguistic rights

On Human Rights Day, PEN International calls for greater protection of linguistic rights, cultural diversity and minority languages. PEN International has long recognised the vital role that language plays in identity, communications, social integration, education and development and has continued to defend linguistic rights of writers, journalist and others across the globe.

He Zhengjun, director of the Transition Institute and prominent writer Xu Xiao were both detained on November 26, along with Xue Ye and Liu Jianshu, a sign of growing suppression against government critics in China, http://www.pen-international.org/newsitems/china-writers-and-publishers-arrested-in-a-new-wave-of-repression/

Writers and publishers arrested in China in new wave of repression

There is alarm over a new wave of arrests of writers, journalists, publishers and civil society activists in China in recent weeks, apparently for their public support of the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Link to: Honduras ignores Inter-American court’s decision in favour of journalist

Honduras ignores Inter-American court’s decision in favour of journalist

On 5 November 2014, the IACHR ordered the Honduran government to suspend a 16-month ban on practising journalism and other penalties imposed on Julio Alvarado. One month after the ruling, the Honduran state has failed to suspend the work ban.

Link to: Inter-American Commission visits Honduras at crucial moment for human rights

Inter-American Commission visits Honduras at crucial moment for human rights

PEN Honduras welcomes the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to Honduras, at a crucial juncture for human rights, of which the right to freedom of expression is particularly vulnerable.

People call for the trial of all war criminals during a rally celebrating National Victory Day in Dhaka, 16 December 2013, REUTERS/Andrew Biraj

British journalist found guilty of contempt in Bangladesh for questioning 1971 war death toll

British investigative journalist David Bergman was convicted by a Bangladesh court and fined 5,000 taka. The case relates to three blog posts published by Bergman on his popular blog “Bangladesh War Crimes Tribunal”.

PEN International

Day of the Imprisoned Writer: Governments urged to free unjustly imprisoned writers

15 November is the 33rd anniversary of the Day of the Imprisoned Writer. This year PEN is highlighting the cases of five writers from Cameroon, China, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and Paraguay and calls for their immediate and unconditional release and for the charges against them to be dropped, along with all other writers similarly threatened.

Teacher and poet Mahvash Sabet, PEN International

Day of the Imprisoned Writer: Iranian teacher and poet Mahvat Sabesh

Teacher and poet Mahvash Sabet is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in Evin prison, Tehran. PEN International is calling on the Iranian authorities to release her and all other writers imprisoned in Iran for their work.

Link to: Honduras: “The coup was a total failure – but I’m happier with society now”

Honduras: “The coup was a total failure – but I’m happier with society now”

PEN International talks to Honduran writer and former Interior Minister Victor Meza about the unintended gains of the 2009 coup for culture, creativity and resistance in Honduras.