PEN Canada envisions a world where
writers are free to write,
readers are free to read,
and freedom of expression prevails
Liu Xiaobo, who tried hard to save imprisoned writers, is now imprisoned himself. As for myself, I almost lost my life after experiencing torture. I was forced to leave my home country and come here to continue writing.
PEN Canada talks with Lawrence Hill and Carol Duncan about cultural boundaries and writings that transgress them.
PEN Canada has recently learned that a seven-and-a-half year prison sentence passed on the Tunisian blogger Jabeur Mejri, for expressing allegedly blasphemous views online, was confirmed by the Court of Cassation on April 25, 2013.
Human rights and freedom of expression groups, including English PEN, the PEN American Center, PEN Canada condemned the decision by the Ethiopian Supreme Court upholding the 18-year sentence imposed against independent journalist and blogger Eskinder Nega.
PEN International presents its findings on the ongoing threats to individual writers and journalists in China, and an assessment of the climate for freedom of expression in the world’s most populous state.
The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of PEN Canada is disturbed by the disappearance of Cardel journalist Sergio Landa Rosado from Veracruz state. Landa has been missing since January 23, 2013.
Thirty-nine years, 50 books, and 350 million copies into his literary career, Stephen King will discuss the writing life with his son, first-time novelist Owen King on the opening night of the 34th International Festival of Authors.
Tonight, a guard, not following the rules, leaves the peephole ajar. I wait a while to see what will happen but it remains open. Standing on tiptoe, I peer out. There’s a narrow corridor, and across from my cell I can see at least two other doors. Indeed, I have a full view of two doors. What a sensation of freedom!
PEN Canada asked Hendrik Hertzberg, why it has become so difficult to rein in vested interests in the United States, and to overcome Constitutional hurdles to progressive legislation on gun control, healthcare and campaign finance reform.
Kurdish Iranian author Ava Homa, a PEN Canada Writer-in-Exile, has been chosen as the next writer-in-residence at Vancouver’s Historic Joy Kogawa House.
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Finding the Words: Writers on Inspiration, Desire, War, Celebrity, Exile, and Breaking the Rules