International pressure is the single most critical factor in the fate of writers imprisoned or harassed around the world, many of whom are Honorary Members of PEN. This campaign has long worked to ensure the safety of these writers, and we are committed to pressing these cases until they are freed, exonerated, or safe from further threat.

For the most recent International PEN Caselist, click here.

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EUROPE - CENTRAL ASIA  |  MIDDLE EAST - NORTH AFRICA

February 17, 2009:
Writer Tohti Tunyaz Released From Prison in China a Week Before Clinton Visit >> More

 
December 9, 2008:
Leading PEN Member Liu Xiaobo Detained in China on Eve of Human Rights Day >> More


June 19, 2008:
PEN, publishers decry conviction of Ragip Zarakolu in Turkey >> More

May 30, 2008:
Normando Hernández González removed from hospital, returned to prison >> More

>> Complete News Archive

Chinese Dissident Honored for Writings
All Things Considered, NPR

Jailed Chinese Writer to Receive PEN Award
The Washington Post

Writer Jailed in China Wins a PEN Award
The New York Times

>> Complete Press Archive

China: Shi Tao
Incarcerated: November 24, 2004

Journalist and poet arrested for posting meeting notes about China's Propaganda Department's treatment of the 15th anniversary of Tiananmen Square. >> More

Cuba: Normando Hernández González
Incarcerated: March 18, 2003

Journalist imprisoned under crackdown on dissidents in 2003 and since held under dire conditions in various prisons and hospitals. >> More

>> All Writers in Peril

Write a letter in defense of writers who are imprisoned, threatened, persecuted, or attacked in the course of carrying out their professional work around the world.

Write a letter to the Chinese government

Wang Xiaoning, Li Zhi, and Shi Tao have been imprisoned  for nonviolent activities that are protected under Chinese law, in violation of their right to freedom of expression. >> More

Write a letter for the release of Normando Hernández González

Winner of the 2007 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award, Hernández González is a writer and independent journalist serving a 25-year sentence in Cuba under Article 91 of the Cuban Criminal Code. >> More

>> PEN Action Center