Day of the Imprisoned Writer
Every November 15, PEN centres around the world observe the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, to bring attention to writers and journalists who have been imprisoned or persecuted for peaceful dissent.
PEN Canada campaigning on the streets of Toronto, with the public holding images of Nasrin Sotoudeh.
In collaboration with other PEN centres, our annual campaign focuses four pressing cases. Each year on November 15, we begin an advocacy campaign for these writers and provide a toolkit to the public to:
- engage with government officials, including addresses of consulates and embassies;
- raise awareness among your friends and followers online;
- write letters of solidarity to the writers and their families.
Our centre also invites prominent authors to write to their imprisoned counterparts, expressing their solidarity and underscoring the core message of all of PEN’s advocacy: You are not alone.
Past campaigns have drawn attention to Honorary Members Dawit Isaak, Nasrin Sotoudeh, and Liu Xiaobo.
Want to get involved?
Whether you want to write a letter, reach out to a government official, or host an event or an Empty Chair in solidarity with an imprisoned writer, reach out to us at queries@pencanada.ca.