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Defending Writers page blocks

Defending Writers

PEN's bedrock work is long-term advocacy on behalf of individual writers who are being persecuted because of their work. This page features several of our highest priority cases. With the help of our members and supporters, we are carrying out campaigns to win their release and ensure they are safe and can write and publish freely.

Take a moment to share information about these writers and take action on their behalf.

This is only a small sampling of writers under threat around the world. Click here for the most recent PEN International case list.

Turkey
Status: On Trial

Ayşe Berktay, a translator, cultural and women's rights activist, is... more »

Cameroon
Status: In Prison

Enoh Meyomesse, 57, is a writer, blogger, historian and political activist... more »

Ethiopia
Status: In Prison

Eskinder Nega, a journalist and dissident blogger based in Addis Ababa who... more »

Iran
Status: In Prison

Lawyer and journalist Nasrin Sotoudeh is serving a six-year sentence in... more »

China
Status: In Prison

Liu Xiaobo, a renowned literary critic, writer, political activist, and 2010... more »

Syria
Status: In Prison

Tal Al-Mallouhi is a student, blogger, and poet from Homs, Syria, serving a... more »

China
Status: In Prison

A writer and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center, Yang Tongyan is... more »

China
Status: In Prison

Shi Tao is a journalist, poet, and member of the Independent Chinese PEN... more »

Uzbekistan
Status: In Prison

Mamadali Mahmudov is a renowned writer and opposition activist serving a 14-... more »

Turkey
Status: On Trial

Ragip Zarakolu, director and owner of Belge Publishing House and a longtime... more »

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