Articles by PEN International
Internet writer and activist detained
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Guo Quan, Internet writer and activist, who has reportedly been held on charges of “inciting subversion” since 13 November 2008. The WiPC fears that Guo Quan may be held for his online writings, and if so, calls […]
Poet Yusuf Juma ill-treated in prison
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is concerned by reports that the Uzbek poet, Yusuf Juma, who was arrested in December 2007 and sentenced to five years imprisonment, is suffering ill-treatment in prison. The WiPC is seeking assurances of Juma’s well-being, clarification of the reasons for Juma’s detention and assurances that he is not being held in denial […]
Musician Win Maw sentenced to six years in jail for “sending false news abroad”
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN strongly protests the six-year prison sentence handed down to leading Burmese musician Win Maw. International PEN calls for his immediate and unconditional release, as well as of all those currently detained in Myanmar in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration […]
One year after journalist’s murder, the individuals responsible for his death still have not been brought to justice
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 5 November 2008 WiPC press release: NEPAL: Anniversary action for murdered journalist Birendra Shah The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is appalled that one year after the murder of Nepali freelance journalist Birendra Shah, those identified as being responsible for his death still have not been […]
Blogger arrested over critical posts, held incommunicado
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 29 October 2008 WiPC press release: NIGERIA: Blogger detained incommunicado, fears for health The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN protests the detention of the US-based blogger Jonathan Elendu, who has been held incommunicado without charge in Abuja, Nigeria, since 17 October 2008. There are fears for […]
Poet Sakit Mirza Zakhidov assaulted in prison, deprived of full treatment for heart condition
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is seriously concerned for the well-being of dissident poet Sakit Mirza Zakhidov, following reports that he was taken out of a prison medical centre prematurely and was assaulted upon his return to Penitentiary #14 in Baku, where he is serving a three-year sentence. International […]
Author writes about mafia, receives death threats
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is concerned by reports that members of the mafia in Italy who were denounced in Roberto Saviano’s novel “Gomorra” have reportedly announced he will be assassinated by Christmas. Saviano has told the press that he is leaving Italy as a consequence. For the last […]
Writer detained without charges
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 15 October 2008 WiPC press release: CHINA/TIBET: Tibetan writer Rangjung detained without charges The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Rangjung, a Tibetan writer, singer and television presenter, who has reportedly been held without charge since 11 September 2008. The […]