Articles by PEN International
WiPC launches “Freedom to write in the Americas” campaign
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is an abridged version of a 17 February 2009 WiPC press release: WiPC launches Freedom to write in the Americas campaign Today the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) launches a campaign to promote freedom of expression and freedom to write in the Americas, to run throughout 2009. Freedom […]
Comedian Zargana’s prison sentence reduced to 35 years
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) has learned that the 59-year prison sentence handed down to leading comedian and poet Zargana has been commuted by 24 years. He must now serve 35 years in prison for his peaceful opposition activities and criticism of the government. International PEN continues to demand […]
Journalist Huynh Nguyen Dao released while concerns mount for imprisoned internet writer Vu Van Hung
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is seriously concerned about reports that professor and internet writer Vu Van Hung is in failing health and has been removed from his prison cell to an unknown location. International PEN seeks information about Vu Van Hung’s whereabouts as a matter of urgency and […]
Call for release of writer Mamadali Makhmudov, imprisoned for 10 years, journalist Muhammad Bekjanov
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 19 February 2009, Uzbek writer and activist Mamadali Makhmudov will have been imprisoned for ten years, making him one of the longest serving detained writers on the records of International PEN’s Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC). Another individual arrested in the same case, Muhammad Bekjanov, also remains detained. They have suffered dire […]
Uighur historian Tohti Tunyaz released from prison after serving 11-year sentence
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN welcomes the release of Uighur historian and writer Tohti Tunyaz (pen-name: Tohti Muzart) at the end of his eleven-year prison sentence. International PEN calls upon the Chinese authorities to drop all remaining restrictions against Tohti Tunyaz so that he can rejoin his family in Japan, […]
Detained writer Ho Thi Bich Khuong ill-treated, in poor health
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is seriously concerned about reports that leading Internet writer, poet, human rights defender and member of the pro-democracy group Bloc 8406, Ho Thi Bich Khuong, has been ill-treated and is in poor health. She is serving a two-year sentence for publishing reports on overseas […]
Journalist Nguyen Viet Chien granted early release as part of presidential amnesty marking Lunar New Year
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN welcomes the release on 17 January 2009 of journalist Nguyen Viet Chien as part of a Presidential amnesty to mark the Lunar New Year. Nguyen Viet Chien had served eight months of a two-year prison sentence for reporting on corruption. International PEN remains alarmed […]
Political activist and writer Matrook Al-Faleh released from prison
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN welcomes the release on 10 January 2009 of leading reformist and academic Professor Matrook Al-Faleh, who had been held without charge since 19 May 2008, apparently for his writings and activism in support of political prisoners in Saudi Arabia. He is said to be in […]