Articles by PEN International
Author Elif Shafak, her publisher and translator facing trial on charges of “insulting Turkishness”
(WiPC/IFEX) – Elif Shafak, a highly respected and best-selling author, is facing trial on charges of “insulting Turkishness” under the notorious Article 301 of the Turkish Criminal Code. Her publisher, Semi Sökmen of the Metis Publishing House, and translator Asli Bican are also facing charges. They are accused in connection with Shafak’s book, “The Bastard […]
Following a month-long campaign on Tunisia, WiPC calls on authorities to end persecution of writers
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 21 June 2006 WiPC press release: INTERNATIONAL PEN: WRITERS IN SOLIDARITY WITH COLLEAGUES PERSECUTED IN TUNISIA Over six months on from the holding of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Tunis in November, International PEN’s Writers in Prison Committee is calling on the Tunisian authorities to […]
Imprisoned journalist’s health deteriorating
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC protests the one-year prison sentence handed down to journalist Yang Xiaoqing on 15 June 2006, on extortion charges for his reporting on official corruption. International PEN considers Yang to be detained in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China became a signatory in […]
Writer on trial for supporting conscientious objector; several others await verdicts in climate of courtroom violence
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 7 June 2006, writer Perihan Magden will come before a court in Sultanhamet, Istanbul, to hear charges that she has “turned people against military service” in an article on a conscientious objector. The prosecution is demanding a three-year prison term. International PEN protests the trial and calls for the charges to be […]
Trials against writers, journalists and publishers continue under Article 301
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 3 May 2006, World Press Freedom Day, in Turkey trials continue against writers, journalists and publishers who have been charged with “denigration of Turkishness” under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. International PEN is calling for an end to all trials against writers for the peaceful expression of their views, and […]
Writer Andrej Dynko released after ten days in jail, publishes prison diary
(WiPC/IFEX) – Writer and journalist Andrej Dynko, arrested with hundreds of other protestors in the days surrounding the 19 March 2006 presidential elections, was freed on 31 March after serving a 10-day sentence. He had been accused of “hooliganism” for allegedly using “vulgar language”. PEN Centres world wide protested against his arrest and that of […]
Belarus PEN vice-president and another journalist imprisoned; detainees reportedly beaten
(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN condemns the arrest and subsequent 10 day administrative sentence served against writer Andrej Dynko. He is among hundreds of people arrested in recent days for their participation in peaceful protests against the re-election of President Lukashenko. It calls for Andrej Dynko’s immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of other […]
On International Women’s Day, WiPC calls for release of imprisoned writer Lydia Cacho
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is WiPC’s International Women’s Day statement: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 8 MARCH 2006 MEXICO: Lydia Cacho “Writing or reading a book on the abuse and trade of children is neither easy nor enjoyable. Nevertheless, it is more dangerous for society to remain silent about this phenomenon. Whilst society and the State looks […]