Promoting literature and defending freedom of expression worldwide since 1921

Latest news

Free Them All: Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2024 

PEN International spotlights four writers targeted for their peaceful free expression work: Kaciaryna Andrejeva (Belarus), Jimmy Lai (Hong Kong), Jose Rubén Zamora Marroquín (Guatemala), and Alaa Abd El-Fattah (Egypt). 

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.

Become a Friend of PEN International today and help us continue our vital work to defend free expression and promote literature worldwide.

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.