Articles by PEN International
Three prominent women writers and journalists released on bail
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN welcomes the release of prominent women writers and journalists Shadi Sadr, Mahbubeh Abbasgholizadeh and Jila Baniyaghoub, but remains seriously concerned that all three are still facing undisclosed charges for organising a demonstration in Tehran on 4 March 2007. International PEN fears that these three journalists […]
Writer and translator Nasser Zarafshan released
(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN Writers in Prison Committee welcomes the release of writer, translator and barrister Nasser Zarafshan on 17 March 2007. It is believed that international pressure contributed to his release.
WiPC concerned about health of journalist held in solitary confinement
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is deeply concerned by the continued detention of journalist Ali Farahbakhsh, who has been held since 27 November 2006. International PEN fears that journalist Farahbakhsh may be detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and […]
Twenty-one IFEX members appeal for support in campaign to repeal Article 301
(IPA/WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a joint action statement signed by 21 IFEX members and other organisations: IN MEMORY OF HRANT DINK, 21 IFEX MEMBERS URGE THE TURKISH AUTHORITIES TO ABOLISH ARTICLE 301 TPC We, the undersigned, – Saddened by the assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist and founder of the “Agos” newspaper, Hrant Dink, on 19 […]
Writers prevented from attending conference on literature and free expression
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 5 February 2007 WiPC press release: INTERNATIONAL PEN CALLS FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN CHINA HONG KONG – Feb. 5, 2007: In a historic meeting of writers from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, along with writers from a dozen other countries, International PEN launched a dialogue on literature […]
Author Ipek Calislar, publisher Fatih Tas acquitted; trials against others continue
(WiPC/IFEX) – The acquittal on 19 December 2006 of author Ipek Calislar, who was accused of insulting the memory of Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Turkish Republic, in her biography of his first wife, is warmly welcomed by International PEN. PEN remains concerned that other writers and journalists remain on trial […]
Journalist and writer Normando Hernández González reportedly transferred to hospital after suffering further health complications; growing fears he may die in detention
(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is deeply concerned about the deteriorating health of Normando Hernández González. He is among a number of Cuban writers, journalists and librarians still detained today in violation of their right to freedom of expression following mass arrests in April 2003. They are held in prisons […]
International organisations call on government to repeal laws that penalise free expression
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 24 November 2006 joint statement by ARTICLE 19, International PEN and IPA: Geneva, London 24 November 2006 In recent days, the European Commission has demanded that Turkey meet commitments it has made, including the opening of its airports and ports to Cypriot traffic, and to improve human rights, including […]