Articles by PEN International
Chinese authorities must release “Blank Paper” protesters and allow free expression on COVID-19 pandemic
25 organizations call on the Chinese government to immediately and unconditionally release four women arrested for participating in a memorial protest, and all other “Blank Paper” protesters, many of whom were women.
Philippines: PEN International calls for urgent inquiry into the killing of poet Ericson Acosta
PEN International and PEN Philippines call for an urgent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of poet and activist Ericson Acosta.
Free expression groups present model anti-SLAPP law to UK Government
The UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition has sent a model anti-SLAPP law to the UK Secretary of State for Justice. The model law outlines how best the UK Government can make good on its commitment to reform the law to introduce robust anti-SLAPP measures and protect those holding the powerful to account.
Civil society groups call on Hong Kong leader to secure Jimmy Lai’s release
Jimmy Lai, the 74-year-old founder of Next Digital Limited and the “Apple Daily” newspaper in Hong Kong will stand trial without a jury on collusion charges under the national security law on 1 December.
Rights groups call for full justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia on the anniversary of her murder
While the recent conviction of two hitmen is welcome, we lament the lack of implementation of the recommendations made by the Public Inquiry into Caruana Galizia’s assassination, and the exclusion of structured public consultation on proposed legal amendments relating to the safety of journalists and SLAPPs.
PEN International calls for the release of Japanese journalist Toru Kubota and all those detained for peaceful expression in Myanmar
PEN International and the Japan PEN Club call for the immediate and unconditional release of video journalist Toru Kubota in Myanmar, along with all those unjustly detained by the military government for their peaceful expression.
Mass arrests of journalists, writers, artists and other cultural workers
83 people have been detained in the Philippines following their participation in peaceful activism in support of land reform.
PEN International joins over 60 organisations condemning the charges brought against Cuban musicians Maykel “El Osorbo” Castillo Pérez and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara
“A review of the charges against both artists makes it clear that they are being targeted for their peaceful exercise of their right to free expression.”