Articles by PEN International
Dissident writer Wang Dejia freed on bail, still faces charges
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release of dissident writer Wang Dejia (aka Jing Chu), who was freed on bail on 12 January 2008, but remains concerned that he still faces charges. Wang, who was arrested on 13 December 2007 on suspicion of “inciting subversion of state power”, could stand trial within […]
Health of detained writer Hu Jia deteriorating, his family subjected to harassment
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of activist and dissident writer Hu Jia who was arrested on 27 December 2007 on suspicion of “inciting subversion of state power”. It is thought that he may be detained for reports and commentaries published online on various social […]
Health of imprisoned writer Zhang Jianhong rapidly deteriorating
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is alarmed about reports that the health of prominent writer Zhang Jianhong (a.k.a. Li Hong) is rapidly deteriorating. International PEN is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Zhang in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory, […]
Book censorship has tightened “dramatically”, warns WiPC; writer jailed despite permission to publish
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a WiPC press release: Call for action on Book Censorship in Iran. The Writers Prison Committee of International PEN notes with deepening concern that since President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to power in August 2005, book censorship in Iran has tightened dramatically, and state pressure on independent publishers has been mounting. […]
Two journalists and women’s rights defenders detained over online articles
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN protests the detention of journalists and women’s rights defenders Maryam Hosseinkhah and Jelveh Javaheri on 18 November 2007 and 1 December 2007 respectively, for articles posted online. PEN seeks guarantees of their well-being, and urges that while detained they be granted access to their lawyers, family and any […]
Feminist Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin in government safe house following violent protests by Muslim extremists
(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN’s Writers in Committee is seriously concerned for the safety of Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin, who is in a government safe house following violent protests by Muslim extremists in Kolkata, West Bengal. PEN welcomes the efforts by the Indian authorities to provide her protection, and urges the Indian authorities to ensure her […]
Journalist Ali Farahbakhsh released on “conditional bail”
(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN’s Writers in Prison Committee welcomes the release of journalist Ali Farahbakhsh on 9 October 2007, although remains concerned that he has not been fully acquitted. PEN reiterates its calls for his full and unconditional release, in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which […]
Charges against journalist Gift Phiri dropped
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN welcomes the acquittal of The Zimbabwean reporter Gift Phiri, who had been on trial since April 2007 for working as a journalist without official accreditation and “publishing false news”. However concerns remain for the safety of Phiri and a number of other print journalists in […]