Home > Freedom to Write > Campaigns > Rapid Action > Asia Rapid Action Alert Archive: ASIA CHINA 2/1/12: Dissident writer sentenced to 10 years for subversion PEN condemns the 10-year prison sentence handed down on January 18, 2012, to dissident writer Li Tie, for allegedly “subversive” writings. SRI LANKA 1/25/12: Two-year annivesary of the disappearance of Prageeth Ekanaliyagoda Two years ago, on January 24, 2010, Pregeeth Ekanaliyagoda was abducted and has not been heard from since. CHINA 1/25/12: Dissident poet Zhu Yufu charged with subversion for a poem PEN condemns the imprisonment of the writer Zhu Yufu, who has been charged with “subversion” for a poem posted online. VIETNAM 1/19/12: Internet writer released PEN welcomes the release of French-Vietnamese university teacher and Internet writer Pham Minh Hoang on January 13, 2012. MYANMAR 1/17/12: Two more writers released in large-scale amnesty PEN is delighted to learn that two more writers have been released on January 13, 2012, as part of a presidential amnesty. MYANMAR 1/13/12: Musician Win Maw and blogger Nay Phone Latt included in large-scale amnesty PEN welcomes the release of leading musician Win Maw and prominent blogger Nay Phone Latt, who are among 651 prisoners to be freed as part of a presidential amnesty announced on January 13, 2012. CHINA 1/6/12: Another writer receives a lengthy prison term PEN is dismayed at the conviction of another Chinese writer on subversion charges. CHINA 12/23/11: Writer Chen Wei sentenced to nine years in prison PEN condemns the imprisonment of Chen Wei, an honorary member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center and winner of the Liu Xiaobo Courage to Write award. CHINA 12/6/11: PEN honors imprisoned writers on International Human Rights Day (December 10) December 10, 2011 (International Human Rights Day), marks the first anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to our colleague Liu Xiaobo, former president of the Independent Chinese PEN Center. VIETNAM 12/2/11: Internet writer's sentence reduced PEN International welcomes the decision by an appeals court to reduce the sentence of university teacher and Internet writer Pham Minh Hoang. MYANMAR 10/12/11: Comedian and poet Zargana released PEN welcomes the release of leading comedian and poet Zargana as part of a widespread general amnesty. VIETNAM 9/29/11: Writers amnestied PEN welcomes the release under amnesty of writers Tran Duc Thach and Nguyen Van Tinh. VIETNAM 9/21/11: Activist and Internet writer sentenced PEN protests the four-year sentence handed down to activist and Internet writer Lu Van Bay on August 22, 2011, for his critical online writings. VIETNAM 8/15/11: Internet writer sentenced PEN protests the three-year sentence handed down to French-Vietnamese university teacher and Internet writer Pham Minh Hoang on August 10, 2011, for his critical online writings. VIETNAM 7/27/11: Blogger Nguyen Van Hai reportedly critically injured in prison; concerns for safety PEN is alarmed at unconfirmed reports that journalist and blogger Nguyen Van Hai (aka Dieu Cay) has lost a hand in prison. VIETNAM 7/27/11: Editor and priest Nguyen Van Ly returned to prison; health concerns PEN protests the re-arrest of editor and Catholic priest Nguyen Van Ly on July 25, 2011. CHINA/TIBET 7/12/11: Writer and editor sentenced PEN protests the four-year prison sentence handed down to Tibetan writer and editor Tashi Rabten (pen-name Te’urang) on June 2, 2011, for his critical writings. VIETNAM 7/6/11: Award-winning writer and journalist Tran Khai Thanh Thuy (f) released into exile PEN welcomes the release from prison of writer and journalist Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, but is saddened that she has been forced into exile. CHINA 7/6/11: Journalist Qi Chonghuai sentenced to a further eight years PEN protests the additional eight-year sentence handed down to freelance journalist Qi Chonghuai on June 9, 2011, two weeks before the end of his four-year sentence for extortion and blackmail. CHINA 6/29/11: Artist Ai Weiwei faces enormous fines On June 28, 2011, it was reported that Ai Weiwei, the internationally acclaimed artist who had been freed on bail a week earlier, had been visited by government tax officials with a demand for over 12 million yuan (c. 1.3 million Euro) in unpaid taxes and fines. PAKISTAN 6/1/11: Leading journalist and writer murdered PEN is shocked and saddened by the death of journalist and author Syed Saleem Shahzad, bureau chief of the Asia Times Online and author of the newly published Inside Al-Qaeda and the Taliban: Beyond Bin Laden and 9/11. SINGAPORE 5/31/11: British author Alan Shadrake loses appeal PEN renews its call for the charges against British author Alan Shadrake to be dropped after his six-week prison sentence for contempt was upheld by the Court of Appeal on May 27, 2011. CHINA/INNER MONGOLIA 5/31/11: Leading activist and editor Hada remains detained; fears for safety PEN is seriously concerned by the reported continued detention of Hada, editor of The Voice of the Southern Mongolia and leading rights activist, who completed a 15-year prison term for his dissident writings on December 10, 2010, but has apparently not been released. VIETNAM 4/20/11: Prominent activist sentenced PEN strongly protests the harsh seven-year prison sentence handed to dissident writer and activist Cu Huy Ha Vu on April 4, 2011. CHINA 4/11/11: Prominent artist and critic Ai Weiwei detained; fears for safety PEN is seriously concerned for the welfare of internationally renowned artist and prominent government critic Ai Weiwei following his arrest at Beijing airport on April 3, 2011. CHINA 4/6/11: Dissident writer Liu Xianbin sentenced PEN protests the 10-year sentence handed down to dissident writer and activist Liu Xianbin on March 25, 2011, for "inciting subversion of state power" in connection with his publication of articles calling for political reform in China. CHINA 3/4/11: Writer Ye Du detained; fears for safety PEN protests the administrative detention of Wu Wei (pen name Ye Du), the webmaster and Network Coordinator of the Independent Chinese PEN Center (ICPC), who is being held under residential surveillance for "inciting subversion of state power," a charge commonly used to silence dissent in China. CHINA 3/2/11: Renewed crackdown on dissidents and activists; fears for safety PEN is alarmed at reports of a violent crackdown on government critics and human rights defenders in recent days, presumably because of the government's increasing fear of domestic social unrest. SRI LANKA 1/25/11: Anniversary action for abducted columnist Pregeeth Ekanaliyagoda PEN is appalled that one year after the disappearance of Sri Lankan journalist Pregeeth Ekanaliyagoda, there is still no news of his whereabouts or fate and that his abductors remain at large. CHINA 1/12/11: Death of prominent writer Zhang Jianhong (aka Li Hong) announced PEN mourns the death on December 31, 2010, of writer, poet, and playwright Zhang Jianhong, who had been suffering from a rare neurological disorder since early 2007, shortly after his arrest on subversion charges for his critical writings. SINGAPORE 11/16/10: British author Alan Shadrake imprisoned PEN protests the six-week sentence handed down to British author Alan Shadrake by the high court in Singapore today for allegedly “scandalizing the judiciary” in his book, Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice in the Dock. MYANMAR 11/15/10: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, National League for Democracy leader and writer, released PEN is delighted by the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the Burmese National League for Democracy (NLD), on November 13, 2010. CHINA 10/12/10: Crackdown on supporters of prominent dissident writer and Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo PEN is alarmed by an apparent crackdown on Chinese writers and intellectuals following the awarding of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to imprisoned writer Liu Xiaobo, former president and board member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center. CHINA 8/9/10: Uyghur journalist and editor sentenced PEN is appalled by the 15-year prison sentence handed down to Uyghur journalist and editor Hailaite Niyazi (aka Hairat or Gheyret Niyaz) on July 23, 2010. CHINA 6/9/10: Prominent writer Zhang Jianhong (pen name Li Hong) released; grave health concerns PEN welcomes the release on medical parole on June 5, 2010, of prominent writer and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center Zhang Jianhong. CHINA/TIBET 5/10/10: Writer detained PEN is seriously concerned about the arrest of Tibetan writer Tagyal (pen name Shogdung) on April 23, 2010, after criticizing the authorities in an open letter. CHINA 5/6/10: Dissident writer’s health declining PEN is seriously concerned about the deteriorating health of imprisoned activist and dissident writer Hu Jia, who was hospitalized for tests in late March 2010. SRI LANKA 5/4/10: Journalist J. S. Tissainayagam pardoned PEN welcomes the announcement on May 3, 2010, that Tamil journalist Jayaprakash Sittampalam (J. S.) Tissainayagam has received a presidential pardon. AFGHANISTAN 3/30/10: Journalist and publisher released PEN welcomes the release of journalist Ahmed Ghous Zalmai, publisher Mohammad Ateef Noori and Mullah Qari Mushtaq, on March 20, 2010. VIETNAM 3/23/10: Editor and priest Nguyen Van Ly released PEN welcomes the release of editor and Catholic priest Father Nguyen Van Ly on March 15, 2010, on medical grounds. INDIA 3/17/10: Writer facing charges; concerns for safety PEN is seriously concerned about the charges facing Mumbai-based writer Murzban Shroff for his debut book Breathless in Bombay. VIETNAM 3/9/10: Award-winning writer and journalist Tran Khai Thanh Thuy sentenced; health concerns PEN strongly protests the three-and-a-half-year prison sentence handed to writer and journalist Tran Khai Thanh Thuy. NEPAL 3/8/10: Publisher Arun Singhaniya killed PEN is shocked by the murder of publisher and media entrepreneur Arun Singhaniya, who was shot dead on March 1, 2010. CHINA 3/1/10: Writer Tan Zuoren sentenced PEN strongly protests the five-year prison sentence handed down to writer and activist Tan Zuoren on February 9, 2009, for "inciting subversion of state power." SRI LANKA 2/26/10: Columnist disappeared; fears for safety PEN is deeply concerned for the well-being of columnist Pregeeth Ekanaliyagoda, who has been missing since January 24, 2010. CHINA 2/12/10: Prominent dissident writer Liu Xiaobo’s appeal rejected Liu Xiaobo, former President and Board member of Independent Chinese PEN Center, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 25, 2009. CHINA 2/2/10: Writer and Independent Chinese PEN Officer Zhao Shiying released PEN welcomes the release of Zhao Shiying, dissident writer, activist and Secretary General of the Independent Chinese PEN Center (ICPC), after being detained for two weeks. CHINA 1/18/10: Writer and Independent Chinese PEN Officer Zhao Shiying Detained PEN condemns the detention of Zhao Shiying, Secretary General of the Independent Chinese PEN Center (ICPC), who was arrested on January 11, 2010. SRI LANKA 1/13/10: Journalist J. S. Tissainayagam freed PEN welcomes the release on bail of Tamil journalist Jayaprakash Sittampalam Tissainayagam, who was detained in March 2008 and sentenced to 20 years in prison for his critical writings. PHILIPPINES 11/25/09: International PEN Condemns Attack in Ampatuan PEN joins the international community in condemning the politically motivated attack in the Philippines on November 23, 2009, in which at least 17 journalists were killed. CHINA 11/19/09: Uyghur journalist and editor detained International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Uyghur journalist and editor Hailaite Niyazi, who was reportedly arrested in October 2009. VIETNAM 11/18/09: Serious health concerns for two detained writers PEN is seriously concerned for the health of writers Tran Khai Thanh Thuy and Father Nguyen Van Ly. SRI LANKA 11/17/09: Publisher released; journalist remains imprisoned PEN welcomes the release of Tamil publisher Vetrivel Jasikaran and his wife Vadivel Valarmathy on October 26, 2009, after being held for 19 months. CHINA 11/2/09: Internet writer and activist sentenced PEN protests the ten-year prison sentence handed down to dissident writer and activist Guo Quan for "subversion of state power." VIETNAM 10/14/09: Dissident writers sentenced PEN is outraged by the sentences handed down to six dissident writers in recent days for "spreading propaganda" against the government. VIETNAM 9/15/09: Crackdown Persists PEN is alarmed by another wave of arrests in Vietnam, in which a number of writers and activists have been arrested in recent weeks for their dissenting views and activities. AFGHANISTAN 9/8/09: Journalist Sayed Parvez Kambakhsh released PEN is delighted to learn that Afghan journalist Sayed Parvez Kambakhsh has been freed under a presidential pardon. CHINA 9/7/09: Uighur writer and PEN member released PEN welcomes the release of Uighur writer, academic and Uighur PEN Center member Ilham Tohti. SRI LANKA 9/3/09: Tamil journalist sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment PEN is appalled by the 20-year prison sentence handed down to Tamil journalist Jayaprakash Sittampalam (J. S.) Tissainayagam, under anti-terror legislation for his writing and publishing activities. CHINA 8/14/09: Writer and advocate released from prison PEN welcomes the August 12, 2009 release of dissident writer, pro-democracy advocate and Independent Chinese PEN Center member Zhang Lin. CHINA/TIBET 8/11/09: Writer and editor detained PEN is seriously concerned for the welfare of Tibetan writer and editor Tashi Rabten (pen name: Te’urang), who was reportedly arrested on July 27, 2009. CHINA 7/10/09: Uighur writer and PEN member detained PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of writer, academic, and Uighur PEN member Ilham Tohti, who was reportedly arrested in Beijing on July 7, 2009. VIETNAM 6/16/09: Lawyer and dissident writer arbitrarily detained PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of lawyer and dissident writer Le Cong Dinh who was arrested on June 13, 2009. MYANMAR 5/14/09: Writer and NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi taken to prison PEN is outraged by the charges of “subversion” brought against writer, National League for Democracy (NLD) leader, and Nobel Peace laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for allegedly breaching the conditions of her house arrest. SRI LANKA 5/1/09: Newspaper editor released PEN welcomes the release of newspaper editor Nadesapillai Vithyatharan on April 24, 2009. MYANMAR 4/28/09: Serious concerns for Zargana’s health PEN is alarmed by reports that imprisoned leading comedian and poet Zargana is in poor health and has not been given full access to medical care and family visits. VIETNAM 4/9/09: Concern for detained journalists International PEN is alarmed by reports that imprisoned writers Nguyen Hoang Hai and Pham Thanh Nghien are at risk of ill-treatment, in poor health, and denied full access to family visits. CHINA 3/27/09: Health concerns for jailed writers PEN continues to be alarmed by the large number of detained writers in China suffering from serious illnesses and lack of appropriate medical care. CHINA 3/18/09: Two journalists released; health concerns for remaining prisoners PEN welcomes the recent release of writers Yang Zili and Zhang Honghai, upon completion of their eight-year prison sentences. CHINA/TIBET 3/17/09: Internet writer detained without charges PEN is seriously concerned by the detention of Kunchok Tsephel, a Tibetan Internet writer, who has reportedly been held without charge since February 26, 2009. SRI LANKA 3/12/09: Tamil journalists detained for one year, health concerns PEN is seriously concerned by the continued detention of Tamil journalists V. Jasikaran and J. S. Tissainayagam, who have been held since March 2008. SRI LANKA 3/4/09: Newspaper editor arrested and ill-treated PEN is seriously concerned by the arrest of newspaper editor Nadesapillai Vithyatharan under emergency legislation on February 26, 2009, apparently for his reporting. THAILAND 2/24/09: Writer received Royal pardon PEN welcomes the release of Australian writer Harry Nicolaides, who was granted a Royal pardon on February 19, 2009, and is now back in Australia. MYANMAR 2/18/09: Zargana’s sentence reduced to 35 years PEN has learned that the 59-year prison sentence handed down to leading comedian and poet Zargana has been commuted by 24 years. VIETNAM 2/18/09: Professor and Internet writer detained, fears for health PEN is seriously concerned by reports that professor and Internet writer Vu Van Hung is suffering from ill health and has been relocated to an unknown location. CHINA 2/17/09: Uighur historian released from prison PEN welcomes the release of Uighur historian and writer Tohti Tunyaz on expiry of his 11-year prison sentence. VIETNAM 2/11/09: Detained writer ill-treated International PEN is seriously concerned about reports that leading Internet writer, poet, human rights defender and member of the pro-democracy group Bloc 8406, Ho Thi Bich Khuong, has been ill-treated in prison and is in poor health. VIETNAM 1/21/09: Journalist released PEN welcomes the release of journalist Nguyen Viet Chien on January 17, 2009, as part of a presidential amnesty to mark the Lunar New Year. THAILAND 1/20/09: Writer sentenced for insulting the monarchy PEN protests the three-year prison sentence handed down to Australian writer Harry Nicolaides for "lèse-majesté" (insulting the monarchy) in his 2005 novel Verisimilitude. SRI LANKA 1/13/09: Writers called to protest murder of editor Lasantha Wickramatunga International PEN is outraged by the murder of Lasantha Wickramatunga, editor of the Sunday Leader newspaper, who was shot and killed on January 8, 2009. MYANMAR 12/16/08: Former journalist and political leader released International PEN welcomes the December 11, 2008 release of former journalist and member of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Ohn Kyaing. CHINA 12/10/08: Prominent dissident writer Liu Xiaobo detained PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of prominent dissident writer Liu Xiaobo, former President and Board member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center, who was arrested on December 8, 2008. CHINA 12/2/08: Internet writer and activist detained PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Internet writer and activist Guo Quan, who has reportedly been held on charges of “inciting subversion” since November 13, 2008. MYANMAR 11/28/08: Zargana sentenced to total of 59 years PEN is appalled by the additional 14-year prison term handed down to leading comedian and poet Zargana on November 27, 2008, added to the 45-year sentence he received a week earlier as part of a major judicial crackdown on dissent. CHINA 11/25/08: Dissident writer Chen Daojun sentenced PEN strongly protests the three-year prison sentence handed down to dissident writer and journalist Chen Daojun for “inciting subversion of state power” in his online articles. MYANMAR 11/25/08: Journalist Zaw Thet Htwe sentenced PEN protests the 15-year prison sentence handed down to journalist Zaw Thet Htwe on November 21, 2008 under the Electronics Act. MYANMAR 11/21/08: Comedian and poet Zargana sentenced to 45 years PEN is stunned by the 45-year prison sentence handed down to poet and comedian Zargana on November 21, 2008, for violating the Electronics Act, which regulates electronic communications. MYANMAR 11/18/08: Musician Win Maw sentenced PEN strongly protests the six-year prison sentence handed down to leading Burmese musician Win Maw. MYANMAR 11/11/08: Two-year sentence for leading poet PEN strongly protests the two-year prison sentence handed down to leading poet Saw Wei for a poem critical of the authorities. MALAYSIA 11/11/08 : Internet writer released PEN welcomes the release on November 7, 2008 of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, founder and editor of the web site Malaysia Today, after a high court judge ruled that his detention was illegal. NEPAL 11/5/08: Anniversary action for murdered journalist Birendra Shah PEN is appalled that one year after the murder of Nepalese freelance journalist Birendra Shah, those identified as being responsible for his death have still not been brought to justice. MYANMAR 11/3/08: Former journalist and political leader re-arrested PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of former journalist and member of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Ohn Kyaing on October 1, 2008. AFGHANISTAN 10/22/08: Detained journalist’s death sentence commuted to 20 year prison sentence PEN is outraged by the twenty-year sentence handed down to journalist Sayed Parvez Kambakhsh by a Kabul Appeal court on October 21, 2008, which commuted the death sentence, but upheld his conviction for "blasphemy." VIETNAM 10/20/08: Two journalists sentenced PEN is outraged by the two-year prison sentence imposed on Nguyen Viet Chien and the two-year noncustodial sentence handed down to Nguyen Van Hai, both targeted for their reporting on a major corruption case. CHINA 10/15/08: Tibetan writer Rangjung detained without charges PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Rangjung, a Tibetan writer, singer and television presenter, who has reportedly been held without charge since September 11, 2008. CHINA 10/8/08: Uighur journalist and writer detained PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Uighur journalist and poet Mehbube Ablesh, who was arrested in August 2008, after posting two critical articles online. AFGHANISTAN 10/1/08: Heavy sentences for publishers PEN strongly protests the twenty-year prison sentence handed down to journalist Ahmed Ghous Zalmai, and the five-year sentence against publisher Mohammad Ateef Noori, for publishing a translation of the Koran. MALAYSIA 9/29/08: Internet writer detained under security act PEN protests the detention of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, founder and editor of the web site Malaysia Today, who was sentenced without trial to two years in prison on September 22, 2008 for his critical writings published online. MYANMAR 9/25/08: Journalist Win Tin released PEN welcomes the release of veteran journalist and prodemocracy activist Win Tin, who has been imprisoned for over 19 years, one of the longest serving prisoners on PEN’s records. VIETNAM 9/25/08: Crackdown on dissidents PEN is alarmed about an apparent crackdown on dissent in Vietnam, in which a number of writers have been arrested. THAILAND 9/16/08: Writer detained for insulting the monarchy PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Australian writer Harry Nicolaides, who is charged with “lèse-majesté”or “insulting the monarchy” for his 2005 novel Verisimilitude. SRI LANKA 9/10/08: Tamil journalists detained PEN protests the detention of Tamil journalists V. Jasikaran and J. S. Tissainayagam, who have been held for six months under terrorist legislation, apparently for their critical writings. CHINA 9/8/08: Dissident writer Hu Shigen released PEN welcomes the release of University lecturer, political activist and dissident writer Hu Shigen on August 26, 2008, after spending sixteen years and three months in prison. MYANMAR 9/3/08: Journalist Win Tin’s health worsens PEN is extremely concerned for the health of veteran journalist and pro-democracy activist Win Tin, who has been imprisoned for over 19 years, one of the longest serving prisoners on PEN’s records. MYANMAR 8/20/08: Zargana and Zaw Thet Htwe charged PEN is seriously concerned about the charges made against comedian and poet Maung Thura (a.k.a. "Zargana") and journalist Zaw Thet Htwe. VIETNAM 8/13/08: Internet writer Bui Kim Thành released PEN welcomes the release on July 11, 2008, of Bui Kim Thành, Internet writer, dissident, and lawyer, after being held for five months in psychiatric detention, apparently without any medical basis. CHINA 7/24/08: Dissident writer rearrested PEN protests the rearrest of dissident writer and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center Du Daobin, who was detained on July 21, 2008, for apparently violating the conditions of his probation. VIETNAM 7/24/08: Death of dissident and spiritual leader Thich Huyen Quang PEN mourns the death of Buddhist leader, writer and dissident, Venerable Thich Huyen Quang, on July 5, 2008, at the age of 87 after a long illness. MYANMAR 6/26/08: Journalist detained after distributing aid to cyclone victims PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of journalist Zaw Thet Htwe, who was arrested on June 13, 2008, after helping cyclone victims in the Irrawady Delta. AFGHANISTAN 6/24/08: More international pressure needed for detained journalist PEN remains deeply concerned about the continuing delay in the hearing of journalist Sayed Parvez Kambakhsh's appeal against a death sentence for the alleged crime of "blasphemy." CHINA 6/17/08: Dissident writer Chen Daojun charged PEN is seriously concerned about the charges of "inciting splittism" against dissident writer and journalist Chen Daojun, who was detained on May 9, 2008, near the city of Chengdu, Sichuan province. MYANMAR 6/9/08: Comedian and poet Zargana arrested PEN is gravely concerned for the safety of poet and comedian Zargana, who was arrested on June 4, 2008, after leading a private effort to deliver aid to cyclone victims. AFGHANISTAN 6/6/08: Afghan journalist remains detained PEN is deeply concerned by the delay in the hearing of journalist Sayed Parvez Kambakhsh's appeal against a death sentence for the alleged crime of "blasphemy." CHINA 5/21/08: Dissident writer Zhou Yuanzhi released PEN welcomes the release of dissident writer and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center Zhou Yuanzhi on May 15, 2008. CHINA 5/21/08: Dissident writer Chen Daojun detained PEN is seriously concerned about the detention and well-being of dissident writer and journalist Chen Daojun, who was detained on May 9, 2008, near the city of Chengdu, Sichuan province. CHINA 5/20/08:Two journalists sentenced PEN is seriously concerned by the conviction of freelance journalists Qi Chonghuai and He Yanjie, who were convicted and sentenced to four and two years in prison respectively on May 13, 2008, for blackmail and extortion. CHINA 5/15/08: Dissident writer’s health failing PEN is deeply concerned by recent reports of the deteriorating health of imprisoned activist and dissident writer Hu Jia, who is serving a three-and-a-half year sentence for "inciting subversion of state power" for his critical writings and dissident activities. MYANMAR 5/15/08: Musician Win Maw arrested PEN is gravely concerned for the well-being of leading Burmese musician Win Maw, who was arrested on November 27, 2007, and is said to be seriously ill as a result of torture in detention. CHINA 5/7/08: Dissident writer Zhou Yuanzhi detained PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of dissident writer and member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center Zhou Yuanzhi, who was arrested on May 3, 2008, on suspicion of "inciting subversion of state power." VIETNAM 4/30/08: Internet writer and dissident returned to psychiatric detention PEN is seriously concerned for the well-being of Bui Kim Thành, Internet writer, dissident, and lawyer, who has reportedly been held in psychiatric detention since March 6, 2008, apparently without any medical basis. CHINA 4/23/08: Tibetan Internet writer Jamyang Kyi detained without charges PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Jamyang Kyi, prominent Tibetan singer and a songwriter, Internet writer, and feminist activist, who has reportedly been held without charge since April 1, 2008. CHINA 4/7/08: Activist and dissident writer Hu Jia sentenced to 3.5 years in prison PEN is shocked by the conviction of activist and dissident Hu Jia, who was handed a three-and-a-half-year sentence on April 3, 2008, for "inciting subversion of state power" with his critical writings and dissident activities. INDIA 3/20/08: Bangladeshi Writer Taslima Nasrin leaves India for Europe PEN PEN continues to urge the Indian authorities to publicly condemn the violence and death threats against Taslima Nasrin, who left India for Europe on March 19, 2008. CHINA 2/26/08: Serious health concerns for writers Xu Wei, Jin Haike, Yang Zili & Zhang Honghai PEN is seriously concerned by recent reports of deteriorating health and lack of sufficient medical treatment for detained writers Xu Wei, Jin Haike, Yang Zili, and Zhang Honghai, who are all serving lengthy sentences on subversion charges for their critical writings. CHINA 2/6/08: Journalist Ching Cheong released PEN welcomes the early release of Chinese journalist Ching Cheong and thanks all who campaigned on his behalf. CHINA 2/6/08: Writer and human-rights activist sentenced to four years for subversion PEN protests the four-year prison sentence handed down to writer and human-rights activist Lu Gengsong on February 5, 2008, for "inciting subversion of state power" for his critical writings published online. MYANMAR 1/30/08: Leading poet Saw Wei arrested for a poem critical of the authorities International PEN is gravely concerned for the well-being of leading Burmese poet Saw Wei, who was arrested on January 22, 2008, for a poem critical of the authorities. AFGHANISTAN 1/24/08: Journalist Sayed Parwez Kambakhsh sentenced to death for blasphemy PEN is shocked by the death sentence handed down to journalist Sayed Parwez Kambakhsh on January 22, 2008, for blasphemy. CHINA 1/15/08: Dissident writer Wang Dejia released on bail PEN welcomes the release of dissident writer Wang Dejia (a.k.a. Jing Chu), who was freed on bail on January 12, 2008, but remains concerned that he still faces charges. CHINA 1/9/08: Activist and dissident writer Hu Jia detained; health concerns PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of activist and dissident writer Hu Jia, who was arrested on December 27, 2007, on suspicion of "inciting subversion of state power." Home | Site Map | Copyright / Privacy Policy | Contact Us © 2004-2012 PEN American Center. All rights reserved.