PEN Canada envisions a world where
writers are free to write,
readers are free to read,
and freedom of expression prevails
In December 2017, PEN Canada held security training workshops in Guatemala City for a group of journalists who are particularly vulnerable to targeted aggression. Sixteen Indigenous female community radio journalists were taught how to minimize the risks of physical and sexual violence, extrajudicial detention, intimidation, and abduction; how to strengthen solidarity with media and human […]
PEN Canada’s Ken Filkow prize recognizes an individual or group that has advanced freedom of expression in Canada.
May 30, 2019 – The PEN International Case List published today documents increasing threats to writers and journalists around the world in the course of their work. The most reported type of attack in the Case List is lengthy prison terms. A total of 68 writers were imprisoned specifically for the practice of their profession […]
Turkish version below The International Press Institute along with other 18 press freedom and freedom of expression organizations – including PEN International and several PEN Centres – sent today a joint letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, calling for justice following the recent physical attacks against two journalists, Yavuz Selim Demirağ and İdris Özyol. […]
A month after PEN’s 2019 gala we look back on the evening with gratitude to all of our members and supporters. Video Highlights Photo Album
PEN Canada’s annual general meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in the Great Hall at the Arts and Letters Club (14 Elm St, Toronto, ON). Join us for light refreshments after the meeting (cash bar). All current PEN Canada members are encouraged to attend. Outstanding fees may be paid at the […]
PEN International welcomes the news that journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were released from jail in Myanmar on May 7, 2019. The two Reuters journalists were found guilty of breaching the colonial-era Official Secrets Act and were facing lengthy prison sentences for their investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and […]
PEN International is deeply concerned about the ongoing trial of three Iranian writers, Baktash Abtin, Reza Khandan-Mahabadi, and Keyvan Bazhan. Mr Abtin’s last hearing was held on 27 April 2019 and that of Khandan-Mahabadi and Bazhan’s on April 28 2019. Both hearings took place before the 28 Branch of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. Among […]
PEN International is shocked and deeply saddened by the news that Lyra McKee, a 29-year-old journalist, was shot and killed in Northern Ireland last night while covering rioting in Derry. McKee was a young, passionate and courageous journalist, described as a ‘tireless advocate and activist’ for the LGBTI community. Responding to the news, Salil Tripathi, chair of PEN International’s Writers […]
The Italian authorities should immediately drop criminal defamation charges against writer, journalist and PEN award winner Roberto Saviano, and repeal all criminal defamation laws, PEN International and English PEN said today. On March 20, 2019, Roberto Saviano announced that he had been summoned to stand trial on charges of defaming Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior […]
Finding the Words: Writers on Inspiration, Desire, War, Celebrity, Exile, and Breaking the Rules