The attacks on the independent press in the country, either through direct violence or by means of malicious and unwarranted court actions, have shown a blatant disregard for the right of all Zimbabweans to express themselves freely and to receive and impart information. Allied to this are reports of physical attacks on journalists by government supporters; the appearance of an alleged hit list of journalists to be killed or harmed before this year's presidential elections; and the labelling of six reporters working for non-Zimbabwean news outlets as "terrorists" by a government spokesperson.

PEN's campaign will focus on the plight of writers and journalists in Zimbabwe and will run over a period of two weeks. The first week (October 28 - November 3) will focus on cases of individual journalists, while the second (November 4 - 10) will concentrate on the repeal of recent legislation that has severely hindered freedom of expression in the country. PEN Members and Friends are asked to send at least one letter per week to the Zimbabwean authorities and Zimbabwe's diplomatic representatives in the United States. More information on the campaign's focus areas and how you can take action can be accessed by clicking on the right-hand links.

In addition, an interview regarding the campaign is scheduled to be aired on SW Radio Africa on October 28, 2002 to coincide with the launch. The broadcast will also be available on the SW Radio Africa web site.