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Rapid Action Alert Archive: ASIA |
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PHILIPPINES 11/25/09: International PEN Condemns Attack in Ampatuan
International 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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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SRI LANKA 5/1/09: Newspaper editor released
PEN welcomes the release of newspaper editor Nadesapillai Vithyatharan on April 24, 2009.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MYANMAR 11/18/08: Musician Win Maw sentenced
PEN strongly protests the six-year prison sentence handed down to leading Burmese musician Win Maw.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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