PEN International

30/07/2026

At the Africa Media Festival, PEN International Head of Africa Region, Nduko O’Matigere, joined a discussion on one of the world’s longest-running attacks on press freedom.

Together with panellists Vanessa Tsehaye, Yirgalem Fisseha and Muthoki Mumo, they explored the cases of Eritrea’s detained journalists and why the international community must continue to demand answers.

Through our campaign, we are calling for information on the fate and whereabouts of these journalists.

Sign the petition and stand with Eritrea’s disappeared journalists: https://www.pen-international.org/proof-of-life-now

In a quick presentation, the panelists will tell the story of Septe...

28/07/2026

: PEN International expresses profound concern over the worsening violence against journalists. The recent succession of killings underscores the urgent need for effective protection measures.

The Mexican authorities must act immediately to safeguard journalists, writers and media workers and uphold the right to freedom of expression.

Read our statement⬇️

‘The appalling crimes against journalists in Mexico are not isolated, but part of a pattern that threatens freedom of expression itself. Journalists must be able to work without fear of violence. The Mexican Government have an obligation to ensure that every attack is investigated promptly, indepe...

27/07/2026

Two days to go!

On 29 July at 4.00 pm BST, we'll be joining online to honour Federico García Lorca, who was one of PEN International's earliest cases, and a poet whose story is woven into the foundations of our work defending freedom of expression.

Expect readings of his poetry and personal reflections on what his life and work mean now.

Free tickets available here:

Join us online as we celebrate Lorca's life through his poetry, from his early years to his assassination, followed by a live Q&A.

24/07/2026

ARC - Artists at Risk Connection's upcoming Raíces en Tránsito brings together 30 Cuban artists and writers in exile whose work reflects on repression and displacement, and artistic freedom.

This exhibition speaks to many of the challenges highlighted in PEN International's Case List, showing how creativity persists in the face of censorship and forced exile.

At PEN International, we are committed to working alongside ARC to shine a light on these issues and defend the right to create freely.

If you're in Madrid this September, we encourage you to visit Raíces en Tránsito and experience the work of ARC's remarkable artists and writers.

23/07/2026

PEN International is deeply concerned by the escalating hostility toward journalists under Javier Milei's government — from barring reporters from Casa Rosada to branding the press a "criminal association."

This pattern of stigmatisation and restriction threatens the independent media essential to a healthy democracy.

Read our full statement⬇️

‘Freedom of expression cannot flourish in a context where journalists, writers and other cultural actors are systematically stigmatised, excluded from public spaces, or portrayed as enemies of the official narrative. Public officials have a responsibility to foster an environment in which the pres...

23/07/2026

New from our Young Writers Committee initiative, Tomorrow Club: Yemeni humanitarian worker Anas Al-Aslami on surviving an airstrike that killed his colleagues and why young people in crisis aren't just victims; they're first responders.

Explore more and read the full article here: https://tomorrowclub.world/articles/yemen-the-war-forgotten-by-the-world

22/07/2026

: Writers across the country continue to face harassment from authorities and pro-government trolls. We stand with them and call on international actors to redouble efforts to end this relentless crackdown.

Read our statement ⬇️

‘The situation in Serbia is at breaking point. PEN International stands with the myriad writers who continue to be harassed by the authorities and pro-government trolls merely for daring to speak out. The international community must redouble efforts to put an end to this relentless crackdown. We ...

21/07/2026

: PEN International is joining organisations and advocates around the world in calling on the Thai authorities to halt the forcible return of Chinese journalist Bai Zhaodong to China, where he faces a grave risk of persecution and serious human rights violations. Read our joint statement:

‍ 21 July 2026: PEN International is joining organisations and advocates around the world in calling on the Thai authorities to halt the forcible return of Chinese journalist Bai Zhaodong to China, where he faces a grave risk of persecution and serious human rights violations. We urge Thailand to ...

20/07/2026

: The murder of sports journalist Luca Esposito is deeply shocking. We call on the Italian authorities to conduct a full, prompt and transparent investigation into his killing, including whether it was connected to his journalistic work. Those responsible must be brought to justice.

A sports journalist was shot dead and his body set alight. The investigation has been entrusted to the Salerno Public Prosecutor’s Office, headed by Raffaele Cantone

20/07/2026

: After five years of unjust imprisonment in Cuba, artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara has arrived safely in Miami.

For five years, the Cuban authorities tried to silence his voice and his art. They took away his freedom and then made exile the price of regaining it, but Luis Manuel refused to be silenced.
Today, we celebrate his freedom, his courage, and the extraordinary network of solidarity in Cuba, across the diaspora, and around the world that never stopped standing with him.

Through our joint campaign Voces Presas, together with ARC - Artists at Risk Connection and CIVIL RIGHTS DEFENDERS, we have worked tirelessly to demand Luis Manuel’s release and keep his case in the international spotlight.

His release is an extraordinary moment. But the work is not over.
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Maykel “Osorbo” Castillo Pérez and all artists unjustly imprisoned in Cuba, and for an end to the criminalization, censorship, and persecution of artists for their creative expression.

Luis Manuel is free. His voice and his art could not be silenced.

📍 To our friends, colleagues, and partners in Miami: Join us in welcoming Luis Manuel and celebrating his freedom today at the Ermita de la Caridad. Follow Anamely Ramos for the confirmed time and details. Read our joint statement:

20 July 2026: PEN International, ARC–Artists at Risk Connection, PEN Cuba in Exile, and Civil Rights Defenders welcome Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara ’s freedom after five years of unjust imprisonment and are relieved to see him arrive safely in Miami today. This is a powerful moment