PEN Canada envisions a world where
writers are free to write,
readers are free to read,
and freedom of expression prevails
Sedigeh Vasmaghi is a theologian, poet, writer, and women’s rights activist who has written on a broad sweep of theological, political and social issues. She is highly regarded in Iran and abroad for her commentary on Islamic jurisprudence in Iran. In August 2020, Vasmaghi was sentenced to one year in prison for signing a petition […]
Paola Ugaz is a Peruvian investigative journalist, editor and writer. She is facing a campaign of legal harassment, threats, and defamation lawsuits due to her investigations into acts of corruption, as well as physical, psychological and sexual abuse within the Peruvian religious organization Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana, which she has been investigating since 2010.
Kakwenza Rukirabashaija is a Ugandan novelist and journalist. He is the author of The Greedy Barbarians, a novel which explores themes of high-level corruption in a fictional country.
Chimengül Awut is an editor and poet from Kashgar, southern Xinjiang. At the time of her detention, Chimengül worked as an editor at the Kashgar Publishing House in Xinjiang.
Osman Kavala is a publisher, civil and cultural rights activist and philanthropist working toward peace, human rights, and democracy in Turkey.
Each year, on November 15, PEN members commemorate the Day of the Imprisoned Writer.
John Ralston Saul, Katherine Govier, Andrew Pyper, Yann Martel, Linwood Barclay and John Valliant put pen to paper for three imprisoned writers: Raif Badawi, Khadija Ismayilova and Eskinder Nega.
Linwood Barclay, author of Broken Promise and No Safe House, wrote this note to Ethiopian journalist and editor, Eskinder Nega.
Yann Martel, author of Life of Pi, wrote this note to Ethiopian journalist, Eskinder Nega.
John Ralston Saul, author of Dark Diversions and The Comeback, wrote this note to Saudi Arabian blogger and author, Raif Badawi, who is serving a 10 year prison sentence and facing 1000 lashes.
Finding the Words: Writers on Inspiration, Desire, War, Celebrity, Exile, and Breaking the Rules