Promoting literature and defending freedom of expression worldwide since 1921
Latest news
Day of the Dead 2024 Cause of Death: Impunity
PEN International launches its Day of the Dead campaign to honour journalists murdered in Latin America over the past year. Between 31 October and 13 November 2024, we will remember media editors, columnists and journalists who were killed in possible connection with their work.
War, Censorship, and Persecution: PEN International case list 2023/2024
PEN International launches its Case List 2023/2024, highlighting challenges for writers in global conflicts and emphasising the need to safeguard freedom of expression, especially in war-torn regions.
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Freedom of expression is deteriorating worldwide giving way to a rise in hate speech and oppressive legislation which threatens the lives and wellbeing of all kinds of writers, inc. poets, novelists, and journalists, as well as publishers. Meanwhile, writers, particularly women and those from marginalised communities, still need equal access and representation within the literary and civic spaces.
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About us
We believe in everyone’s freedom to write and read, wherever they are in the world. Founded in 1921, today PEN International is recognised as the world’s foremost association of writers, as well as a leading international charity and expert on freedom of expression.
A reason to celebrate
PEN International welcomes the release from prison of Wikileaks founder and publisher Julian Assange. Assange was released from Belmarsh Prison in the UK on 24 June 2024 after reaching a plea deal with the US Department of Justice. His plea deal, while granting him freedom, could set a dangerous precedent for press freedom worldwide.