Journalist and writer Cheng Lei is set to become the next president of PEN Melbourne, bringing her lived experience of wrongful imprisonment and a powerful commitment to freedom of expression. Her extraordinary story of survival, release and rebuilding her life is featured in the recent Australian Story episode, Time After Time.
Author Archives: PEN Perth
Book bans in the US
Across the United States, thousands of books have been removed from public school classrooms and libraries as part of an unprecedented wave of censorship.
When a child writes of peace
Nine-year-old Ayla Lewis read her poem “Peace” at PEN Perth’s Poems of War and Peace event.
Solidarity, poetry and the courage to speak
It was a real pleasure to see many of you at our recent AGM and at the event that followed, Poems of War and Peace. The open mic was a reminder of the extraordinary range of voices in our community – from established poets such as Dennis Haskell to nine-year-old Ayla, bravely taking her placeContinueContinue reading “Solidarity, poetry and the courage to speak”
Supporting writers at risk
Dear members and fellow travellers Let me begin by thanking Hélène Jaccomard who kept this column going while I was away for the last three issues of the newsletter. While in Europe, I was reminded rather soberingly of the pointy end of PEN International’s work when I joined a meeting of key PEN centres toContinueContinue reading “Supporting writers at risk”
Books, blasphemy and bans in Indonesia
“Book banning has a long history in Indonesia, extending back to the [Dutch] colonial period, although it was most pronounced during Suharto’s New Order period (1968–98).” (Hendri Yulius). The New Order turned into law a 1963 decree against Marxist–Leninist propaganda passed under Sukarno’s regime (1945–67) and relied on a 1965 Blasphemy Law to curb freedomContinueContinue reading “Books, blasphemy and bans in Indonesia”
Why poetry still matters in times of war and peace
An invitation from PEN Perth Poems of war and peace have long given voice to humanity’s deepest fears, hopes and resilience. Poetry remains one of our most enduring responses to conflict, injustice and the search for peace. Poetry has always been one of humanity’s most enduring responses to war, injustice and hope. It records theContinueContinue reading “Why poetry still matters in times of war and peace”
Why 400 Empty Chairs matter more than ever
Acting Chair’s message July 2026 As members and friends will know, one of the ways PEN centres around the world raise awareness of the fight for freedom of expression is to have empty chairs at public events. An empty chair has indeed become one of the most powerful symbols of the FIFA World Cup. FrenchContinueContinue reading “Why 400 Empty Chairs matter more than ever”
Why linguistic rights are human rights
Acting Chair’s message June 2026 Linguistic rights are human rights because language is central to identity, culture and freedom of expression. Dear members and fellow travellers Last month, on behalf of PEN Perth, I attended the online meeting of the Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee (TLRC), one of the PEN International sub-committees. The TLRC missionContinueContinue reading “Why linguistic rights are human rights”
Writers under siege: Defending freedom of expression
Acting Chair’s message May 2026 Writers under siege are facing imprisonment, censorship and exile in increasing numbers across the world. Protecting freedom of expression is at the heart of PEN’s mission. PEN International launched its International Case List 2026 on 23 April 2026. Since 1960, case lists have been updated regularly. This year’s Case ListContinueContinue reading “Writers under siege: Defending freedom of expression”
Banned books: Myanmar
In 2023, PEN America labels Myanmar ‘the world’s worst jailer of writers’. It might well be also called ‘the world’s worst book banner’. Under Aung San Suu Kyi’s nearly 10 years rule, as the military stepped back, the democratic experiment led to some freedom of expression, albeit ‘with the persistence of taboo issues, such asContinueContinue reading “Banned books: Myanmar”
A struggle for ethnic equality in Myanmar
Chair’s message April 2026 Dear members and fellow travellers As I write to you, many South Asian communities are marking the beginning of a new year, guided by their lunar calendars. From Myanmar to Nepal, Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, and across many parts of India, these celebrations share a spirit of renewal, reflection, and optimism.ContinueContinue reading “A struggle for ethnic equality in Myanmar”