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The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN was set up in 1960 in response to mounting concern about attempts to silence critical voices around
the world through the detention of writers. The Committee works on behalf of
all those who are detained or otherwise persecuted for their opinions expressed
in writing and for writers who are under attack for their peaceful political
activities or for the practice of their profession, provided that they did not
use violence or advocate violence or racial hatred.
The WiPC gathers its information from a wide variety of sources and compiles
it in its biannual Case List. It seeks to confirm its information through two
independent sources. Where its information is unconfirmed, it will either not
take action, or it will send an appeal worded to reflect the fact that the information
is incomplete. Sources include press reports, reports from individuals in the
region in question, reports from other human-rights groups, PEN members themselves,
embassy officials, academics, prisoners' families, lawyers and friends, exile
groups, and international non-governmental organizations.
The WiPC's records of persecuted writers are updated daily. For up-to-date
information on a particular case or country, contact PEN
American Center or the WiPC headquarters
in London. Anyone wishing to take action on any individual mentioned in this
Case List should also contact PEN American
Center or the WiPC headquarters for any
update there may be on the case and for advice on appeals.
• Writers in Prison Committee July–December 2007 Caselist |
