Articles by PEN International
Dissident writer Zhou Yuanzhi released from detention under heavy restrictions
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC welcomes the release of dissident writer and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Centre Zhou Yuanzhi on 15 May 2008. WiPC remains concerned that he remains under heavy restrictions, and reminds the Chinese authorities of their obligations to Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. According […]
Pro-democracy musician detained, reportedly very ill following torture, faces possible prison term
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is gravely concerned for the well-being of leading Burmese musician Win Maw, who was arrested on 27 November 2007 and is said to be seriously ill as a result of torture in detention. International PEN seeks immediate assurances of Win Maw’s well being and guarantees that he is receiving all necessary medical […]
On World Press Freedom Day, WiPC calls for release of imprisoned writer Shi Tao
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a WiPC press release: 3 May World Press Freedom Day 2008 China Campaign: Writers React International PEN’s Writers in Prison Committee is marking this year’s World Press Freedom Day (3 May 2008) by focussing on the case of Chinese poet and journalist Shi Tao, who is serving a 10-year prison […]
Dissident writer in psychiatric detention apparently without medical cause; WiPC calls for her release
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is seriously concerned for the well-being of Bui Kim Thành, Internet writer, dissident and lawyer, who has reportedly been held in psychiatric detention since 6 March 2008, apparently without any medical basis. The WiPC fears that Bui Kim Thành may be held for her writings and activism, and if so, calls for […]
Pre-trial detention of editor Nikolai Andrushchenko extended by another two months
(WiPC/IFEX) – Nikolai Andrushchenko, co-founder and editor of the newspaper “Novy Peterburg”, was initially sentenced to two months’ pre-trial detention on charges of defamation and was due for release on 21 March 2008. However, it has been reported that his preliminary detention was prolonged by two more months. WiPC protests the extended detention as a […]
Detained journalist Frank Chikowore charged, denied treatment; freelancer Stanley Karombo released after incommunicado detention
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC protests the continuing detention of freelance journalist and internet writer Frank Chikowore, who was charged with “public violence” on 21 April 2008, almost a week after his arrest. He has reportedly been denied medical treatment while in detention. The WiPC also remains seriously concerned about a number of other attacks against print […]
Lithuanian journalists among those beaten in Minsk; “collaborators” with “insulting” cartoons of president being hunted; strong diplomatic reactions to crackdown
(WiPC/IFEX) – A number of journalists are among the up to 100 people arrested during demonstrations in Belarus on 25 March 2008, of whom 26 have since been sentenced to prison terms of between five and 15 days. Many more suffered beatings by police. WiPC has long been concerned by the repression of free expression […]
Threatened Bangladeshi feminist writer leaves India for Europe
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC has been informed that Taslima Nasrin left India for Europe on 19 March 2008. WiPC continues to urge the Indian authorities to publicly condemn the violence and death threats against Nasrin. Controversial Bangladeshi feminist writer Nasrin was placed under protection in a safe house in Delhi on 21 November 2007 following violent […]