PEN International launched its International Case List 2026 on 23 April 2026. Since 1960, case lists have been updated regularly. This year’s Case List is entitled Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence. The launch began with Head of Research, Policy and Advocacy Ross Holder’s sobering overview of a world where ‘space for expression, culture and dissentContinueContinue reading “Acting Chair’s message May 2026”
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Writer in prison: Narges Mohammadi, Iran
Multi award-winning writer, journalist, human rights defender and Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi (54) was free from an Iranian prison on medical grounds as of 31 December 2024, a year in which she received three new prison sentences. Held since 16 November 2021, she is serving multiple unjust sentences, totalling 35 years’ imprisonment including 154 lashes. In JanuaryContinueContinue reading “Writer in prison: Narges Mohammadi, Iran”
History of banned books in Iran
Since the 1979 Revolution, book banning in Iran has been a constant. Religious, political and moral grounds against foreign and local authors were at their most severe for the twenty years preceding the Reform period (1997–2005; see The Dial).[1] Some relaxation of the rules occurred then, but President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005–2013) engineered a backlash againstContinueContinue reading “History of banned books in Iran”
Chair’s message February 2026
Dear members and fellow travellers Welcome to 2026. We began the year with a letter from a writer recently released from prison. We are not able to share their name, but we can share their words: “Let me start by thanking PEN International … and all the writers and artists who united in solidarity forContinueContinue reading “Chair’s message February 2026”
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