PEN International

@peninternational

Defending freedom of expression and promoting literature worldwide since 1921.

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PEN International@peninternational· 19d

@atriskartists.bsky.social's Raíces en Tránsito brings together 30 Cuban artists and writers in exile whose work explores repression and artistic freedom. The exhibition reflects many of the issues documented in our 2026 Case List. If you're in Madrid this September, don't miss it!

PEN International@peninternational· Jul 7

Days after writing this letter from prison, Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy began a hunger strike after being denied books, writing materials and clothing. We call for his rights to be restored immediately. Read the full letter: www.pen-international.org/cases/galal-...

PEN International@peninternational· Jul 1

Today, on the anniversary of Victoria Amelina's death, we remember her through her words. Poem About a Crow was inspired by her interviews with women who lived through Russian occupation. Translated by Uilleam Blacker.

PEN International@peninternational· Jun 30

We're proud to share that our President Burhan Sonmez, has been awarded the Premio Hemingway for Witness of Our Time. His novels give voice to the persecuted and exiled, and the recognition reaffirms the message that literature remains our most powerful defence of freedom. Congratulations!

PEN International@peninternational· Jun 27

Today, poet Galal El-Behairy turns 36 in prison, 8 years after his arrest for his poetry. Sentenced on false charges, he's endured torture and systematic denial of basic materials. Yet he continues creating. Read his birthday poem, translated by our Head of MENA, Mina Thabet and Alice Yousef.

PEN International@peninternational· Jun 25

LGBTQIA+, transgender, and gender-diverse rights are fundamental to freedom of expression. PEN International's 2025 Resolution on Gender Diversity Justice reaffirms our solidarity with writers, poets, and journalists targeted for who they are. Read more: www.pen-international.org/congress-res...

A PEN International social media graphic for Pride Month featuring a quote on gender diversity justice. White text on a semi-transparent overlay reads: 'The rights of LGBTQIA+, transgender, and gender-diverse people are not a secondary concern, but indispensable to the future of one humanity living in peace and equality in one world.' A red banner at the bottom states 'PEN International Resolution on Gender Diversity Justice, 2025.' The background shows an outdoor street scene with pride flags displayed.

PEN International@peninternational· Jun 20

On #WorldRefugeeDay, we honour those forced to flee because of their words. For more than a century, PEN International has stood with writers in exile. Today, we celebrate their courage and reaffirm that no one should be forced to flee for exercising their right to free expression.

PEN International@peninternational· Jun 17

Mexico: PEN International is concerned by threats to the Casa del Poeta Ramón López Velarde — an emblematic space for literary memory — and calls on authorities to protect cultural rights and ensure communities have a say in decisions affecting their heritage. www.milenio.com/cultura/casa...

PEN International@peninternational· Jun 3

🚨 As governments withdraw from human rights commitments, the space for free expression is shrinking fast. In Myanmar, funding cuts have left dozens of journalists facing deportation. In Afghanistan, women and girls bear the worst of aid cuts. Read more: www.pen-international.org/case-list-2026

Bar and pie chart from PEN International's Case List 2026 showing attacks on writers by region, January–December 2025. The Americas recorded the most attacks (43, 31%), followed by Europe and Central Asia (41, 29%), Asia/Pacific (24, 17%), Middle East and North Africa (17, 12%), and Africa (15, 11%). Total: 140 attacks. Source: PEN International.

PEN International@peninternational· May 26

#FreeEritreas12: In September 2001, Yousif Mohammed Ali was editing a newspaper called Tsigenay when he was arrested and vanished into Eritrea's prison system. That was 25 years ago. We join Centres in demanding proof of life immediately.

A PEN International campaign graphic. On a dark background, a framed portrait shows a man in a checked blazer. A red label at the bottom reads "Yousif Mohammed Ali, Journalist." To the upper right, bold red and white text reads "25 Years, 12 Voices

PEN International@peninternational· May 25

Living 43 years under occupation and still, a profound belief in justice. Palestinian author and bookseller Mahmoud Muna reflects on the work of Mahmoud Darwish, cultivating hope, and the collective struggle that sustains it. Full discussion available here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbOQ...

PEN International@peninternational· May 21

#FreeEritreas12: September 2026 marks 25 years since Eritrean journalists and writers were arrested for speaking out. Said Abdelkadir, editor-in-chief of Admas, was one of the 12. His whereabouts remain unknown. We join PEN Centres to demand proof of life. www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...

PEN International@peninternational· May 15

This Nakba Day, we remember the lives uprooted and the enduring resilience of Palestinians who continue to carry both grief and hope across generations. A poem by Yousef Al-Qedra features in Voices of Gaza. Read more: www.pen-international.org/gaza-collect...

A graphic from PEN International featuring a poem titled "The yellow flowers are small, but brave." Set on a dark background with white line-art illustrations of flowers along the left and right edges. The poem reads: "They grow beside the tent, among the stones and dust, as if to say, 'I am here, despite everything.' I love these flowers. I sit beside them, I tell them about my distant home and the garden I left there. They nod, as if they understand my sadness. In war, everything is afraid, except these flowers. They don't hide, they don't run away from the bombing, and they don't care if the rain is scarce. They just grow, and they light up the earth like a little sun. I pick one, I hold it in my hand, and I feel like I'm holding a sun that no one can take away from me."

PEN International@peninternational· May 15

Today marks the anniversary of the Nakba. 78 years later, Palestinians are still writing themselves into existence. We share a message from Bisan Nateel on rebuilding, in memory, what is being erased before our eyes. Explore more: www.pen-international.org/gaza-collect...

PEN International@peninternational· May 6

These are 26 Ukrainian journalists held in Russian captivity. Behind every name is someone imprisoned for telling the truth. Pressure begins with people who refuse to forget. Share these names and demand justice, find out more ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...

A red-tinted graphic from PEN International with the heading "Take Action For" followed by the names of 26 Ukrainian journalists currently held in Russian captivity: Oleksiy Bessarabov, Dmytro Shtyblikov, Ernes Ametov, Marlen Asanov, Tymur Ibrahimov, Seyran Saliev, Server Mustafayev, Rustem Sheikhaliev, Ruslan Suleimanov, Iryna Danylovych, Yevheniy Ilchenko, Vilen Temerianov, Iryna Levchenko, Vladyslav Hershon, Anastasia Hlukhovska, Heorhiy Levchenko, Oleksandr Malyshev, Yana Suvorova, Aziz Azizov, Rustem Osmanov, Hennadiy Osmak, Osman Arifmemetov, Remzi Bekirov, Amet Suleymanov, Asan Akhtemov, Maksym Rupchov. The background shows a war-damaged street with a figure walking through rubble.

PEN International@peninternational· Apr 29

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski was released in 2025 – but only into forced exile. His case remains emblematic of the relentless repression faced by independent voices in Belarus. Read more: www.pen-international.org/case-list-2026

PEN International@peninternational· Apr 27

For almost 25 years, 12 Eritrean writers and journalists have been detained incommunicado without trial. In Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence, we honour them as one of our emblematic cases ⬇️ www.pen-international.org/case-list-2026

Graphic from PEN International titled “Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence – PEN International Case List 2026.” It features a grid of twelve portraits of Eritrean writers, shown in a mix of black-and-white and color images. Below the images, text reads “Eritrea” and “Collective case of 12 writers.” The background is black with red abstract script-like patterns.

PEN International@peninternational· Apr 27

Writer and academic Étienne Fakaba Sissoko was forced into exile because of his words. His case is a reminder that independent thought is still seen as threats. Read more about his casehttps://www.pen-international.org/case-list-2026

Graphic from PEN International titled “Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence – PEN International Case List 2026.” It features a centered portrait of Étienne Fakaba Sissoko, a man wearing a two-tone green and navy shirt, against a light background. Below the photo, text reads “Mali” and “Étienne Fakaba Sissoko.” The background is black with red abstract script-like patterns.

PEN International@peninternational· Apr 24

These words from Ma Thida, who has herself faced imprisonment for her writing, remind us what is at stake behind every name on our Case List. Read Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence – PEN International Case List 2026.

PEN International@peninternational· Apr 23

Thank you to everyone who joined today’s launch of Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence – PEN International Case List 2026, and to our four contributors. We heard powerful reflections on solidarity as a lifeline and the many forms it can take across different crises.

PEN International@peninternational· Apr 15

No matter your role - journalist, researcher, campaigner, survivor, or whistleblower - you should be protected when speaking in the public interest. We are calling for universal protections against SLAPPs. Take action: antislapp.uk/solutions/ta... #StopSLAPPs

Graphic inviting audiences to Take Action: The Government must act to stop legal bullying and #StopSLAPPS

PEN International@peninternational· Apr 10

#Türkiye: Honorary PEN member Selahattin Demirtaş turns 53 today. He has been wrongfully detained for nearly 10 years. We stand with Demirtaş and urge the authorities release him immediately and unconditionally #FreeDemirtaş

PEN International@peninternational· Apr 7

What can you do? You can speak up. Write to the Cuban authorities. Send a message of solidarity. Call for the immediate and unconditional release of #DuannisLeónTaboada. Join us: www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...

A black and red graphic from PEN International featuring a quote in white text over abstract red lettering: “What you're going through is incomprehensible and unfair. The world is full of good people, but unfortunately, power has fallen into the hands of those who would rather spread hate than change.” The image invites viewers to “Write a message for Duannis León Taboada” and includes the hashtag #WPD26.

PEN International@peninternational· Mar 31

From Gaza, Palestinian author Yousri Alghoul speaks directly to writers everywhere, those who believe that words can change the world. Find the collection of writing from Gaza: www.pen-international.org/gaza-collect...

PEN International@peninternational· Mar 30

Behind every imprisoned writer is a family fighting to be heard and they should not have to fight alone. Write a message of solidarity today. Your words can remind them they are not alone, and help ensure their voices are not ignored. Take action. Write a letter. Stand with them.

PEN International@peninternational· Mar 26

#FreeEritreas12: Fessehaye ‘Joshua’ Yohannes, Eritrean playwright, poet and journalis. For nearly 25 years, he has been imprisoned without charge or trial. His fate and whereabouts remain unknown. We demand proof of life. Find out more: www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...

Graphic by PEN International with the text “25 Years, 12 Voices.” and the name “Fessehaye ‘Joshua’ Yohannes – Writer, journalist, poet, playwright.” Next to the text is a photograph of a smiling man with a beard and short curly hair, wearing a light-coloured shirt, seated indoors. He was an Eritrean writer and journalist who was arrested in 2001 and has not been seen since.

PEN International@peninternational· Mar 25

Writers in Gaza continue to write through war and loss. We have published a collection of writing and testimonies from the ground, and in memory of writers killed since October 2023. Read the collection and testimonies: www.pen-international.org/gaza-collect...

PEN International@peninternational· Mar 25

The 𝑃𝐸𝑁 𝐼𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝐹𝑒𝑙𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑: 𝑊𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 is launched, a special mention created in collaboration between the Premio Inge Feltrinelli and PEN International to recognize the work of authors and activists who, through writing, defend rights, freedom, and dignity. (1/3)

Illustration promoting the “Writing as Resistance Award” by Premio Inge Feltrinelli and PEN International. The image shows a stylised portrait of a woman with purple hair and a raised face, set against a light background with abstract symbols. The logos of Premio Inge Feltrinelli, PEN International, Gruppo Feltrinelli, and Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli appear alongside the title text.

PEN International@peninternational· Mar 25

TAKE ACTION: Your words can reach beyond prison walls. #DuannisLeónTaboada, a Cuban poet, continues to face harsh conditions and health risks while in prison. Send him a message of solidarity and let him know the world is watching and supporting him: www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...

Graphic from PEN International showing imprisoned Cuban poet Duannis León Taboada smiling and making a hand gesture. The text reads a message: “I am writing these words to encourage you to keep your strength. Please keep in mind that you are never forgotten.” The graphic also says “Write a message for Duannis León Taboada” and includes the hashtag #WPD26.

PEN International@peninternational· Mar 10

A letter can remind someone in prison that they are not forgotten. 💌 Belarusian writer, editor and political scientist Valeryja Kaściuhova is imprisoned for speaking truth to power. Send her a message of solidarity today: www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...