Articles by PEN International
Journalist and researcher Yasser al-Habib sentenced in absentia; serious concerns for his safety
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC is gravely concerned for the safety of writer, journalist and researcher Yasser al-Habib, who is reported to have been sentenced in absentia by the Kuwait Criminal Court on 5 May 2004 to 10 years in prison on charges of attempting to overthrow the regime. He was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment […]
Journalist sentenced but freed after prison term commuted
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC is concerned at the six-month sentence handed down to journalist Abdishakur Yusuf but is relieved that the prison term was commuted to a fine. Abdishakur, the editor-in-chief of the weekly Puntland-based newspaper “War- Ogaal”, was arrested on 21 April 2004. The detention was made in the wake of a “War-Ogaal” article […]
Statement from WiPC’s Biennial Conference
(WiPC/IFEX) – The following is a 21 May 2004 WiPC statement: Statement from the 5th Biennial Conference of the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN Barcelona, 21 May 2004 “Many of us have been asking, is this what we went to jail for? What has all our struggle come to? A mere clearing of […]
International PEN concerned that journalist is being detained for his writings
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Chaudhury, who has been held since 29 November 2003 on espionage charges. Chaudhury is known for his work to improve relations between Muslim countries and Israel, and it is widely believed that his detention is connected to […]
Journalist released
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN has received information that journalist Faris Hizam Al-Harbi, who was reportedly detained on 21 April 2004, has been freed. However, an 8 March order banning him from practicing his profession remains in force. International PEN welcomes the journalist’s release, but is seriously concerned that he and many other […]
Journalists tried and sentenced after two years in detention
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is dismayed at prison sentences handed down on 27 April 2004 to journalists Léxter Téllez Castro and Carlos Brizuela Yera, and lawyer Juan Carlos González Leiva. Téllez Castro, director of the Agencia de Prensa Libre Avileña (Avileña Free Press Agency), Brizuela Yera, director of the Cooperativa de Periodistas […]
Writer and journalist Mohammed Ghanem released
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release of writer and journalist Mohammed Ghanem, who was freed in the early hours of 4 April 2004 after being held for 13 days. He was reportedly denied food during his entire detention, causing him digestive and health problems. He is now recovering at home with […]
Authorities launch investigation into murder of editorial director
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is deeply disturbed by the murder of journalist Roberto Javier Mora García in the early hours of 19 March 2004 and welcomes the investigation that has since been launched by the judicial authorities. Mora García, aged 42, the editorial director of the newspaper “El Mañana” and editor of […]