Articles by PEN International
Chadian blogger and journalist given suspended sentences, both released
PEN International welcomes the release of blogger and writer Jean Laokolé and journalist Eric Topona, both associated with the well-known Blog de Makaila. Laokolé and Topona were convicted on charges of defamation and “abortive conspiracy against public order”,
Morocco urged to release editor arrested for reporting on Al-Qaeda video
Over 60 organisations signed a joint appeal to Moroccan authorities to free editor Ali Anouzla, jailed on 17 September for posting a link to an Al-Qaeda video on his news website alongside an article critical of the video.
Libel conviction could keep Liberian journalist imprisoned for life
PEN International is urging Liberian authorities to free Rodney Sieh, founder and editor of FrontPage Africa. Sieh could spend the rest of his life in prison due to his inability to pay a fine of US$ 1.5 million for libel.
Prominent Iranian human rights defender Nasrin Sotoudeh freed
The early release from prison of lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh may be a sign that the Iranian authorities are addressing the dire state of free expression in the country.
PEN International calls for support of writers on trial in Turkey
In September 2013, some of the most prominent of Turkey’s writers were on trial as part of the Koma Civakên Kurdistan (Group of Communities in Kurdistan) (KCK) case. Please take action for two writers who will remain in pre-trial detention for two more years.
Stifled Southeast Asian voices: NGOs unite against criminalisation of free expression on the Internet
At an event in Geneva, a coalition of international and local NGOs and activists from Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia urged governments to stop using vague legislation based on ill-defined concepts such as “national security”, “sovereignty” or “lèse-majesté” to intimidate, harass and imprison independent voices.
Chinese poet, journalist and PEN member released 15 months before end of his 10-year sentence
PEN International is delighted to announce the release of Chinese poet and journalist Shi Tao, 15 months before the end of his sentence, and reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all others currently detained in China for peacefully expressing their views.
G20 leaders urged to denounce discriminatory laws, human rights abuses in Russia
On the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in St. Petersburg, human rights organisations are calling on world leaders to denounce Russian laws that discriminate against LGBTI people and prevent non-governmental organisations from doing their work.