Articles by PEN International
Iranian Kurdish journalist Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand detained; WiPC fears ill treatment
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Iranian Kurdish journalist Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand, who was arrested on 1 July 2007. International PEN fears that he is being detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to free expression, and if so calls on the […]
Imprisoned Internet journalist allegedly beaten in detention, denied adequate care as health deteriorates
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC (PEN) is alarmed by reports that Internet writer Guo Qizhen has been ill treated in detention. PEN is also concerned that he has been denied access to family visits and adequate health care, in violation of Chinese and international law. Guo is serving a four-year sentence on subversion charges for his critical […]
Leading dissident writer still detained without trial after nine months
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC protests the continued detention of leading dissident writer Chen Shuqing, who has been held without trial since 14 September 2006, in violation of both Chinese and international law. PEN considers Chen Shuqing to be detained in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to […]
Court of appeal upholds six-year sentence against writer Zhang Jianhong; WiPC seriously concerned about his health
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC protests a court of appeal decision to uphold the six-year prison sentence handed down to prominent writer Zhang Jianhong (a.k.a. Li Hong) on 21 May 2007. PEN is also alarmed about reports that he is seriously ill and that an application for medical parole has not been considered. International PEN is calling […]
Following international pressure, critical writer Nguyen Vu Binh released under amnesty after serving four years for “espionage”
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC welcomes the release of leading dissident writer Nguyen Vu Binh on 10 June 2007, after serving four years of a seven-year prison on espionage charges for his critical writings. He was among three leading dissidents to be granted an amnesty by President Nguyen Minh Triet, two weeks ahead of his planned visit […]
WiPC protests extension of writer and opposition leader Suu Kyi’s detention for fourth consecutive year
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC protests the Burmese authorities’ decision to extend Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest for a fourth consecutive year. PEN calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Suu Kyi and all others detained in Myanmar in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. According to […]
Imprisoned dissident writer Yang Maodong allegedly tortured, confession to be used in court
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is alarmed by claims by dissident writer Yang Maodong that he was tortured in detention, and that a confession extracted through torture is to be used as evidence in court. According to PEN’s information, Yang Maodong, also known as Guo Feixiong, a well-known dissident writer, […]
Two IFEX members and others appeal to president over alarming lack of free expression
(IPA/WiPC/IFEX) – The following is an 8 June 2007 joint letter by IPA, WiPC and other organisations and individuals: To Mr Hu Jintao President of the People’s Republic of China An Appeal about China Your Excellency, Mr President, We, undersigned organizations and individuals, welcome your visit to Sweden, whose purpose, we understand, is to reinforce […]