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Ava Homa is a journalist, activist, and critically-acclaimed author of “Daughters of Smoke and Fire” (HarperCollins, 2020). She holds an MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Windsor.
PEN is delighted to learn of the temporary release of prominent Iranian writer, lawyer and human rights activist, Nasrin Sotoudeh, on November 7, 2020.
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 […]
PEN International is deeply concerned by the decision of the Iranian authorities to suspend the printing and distribution of newspapers. A decree was issued on March 30, citing concerns about the spread of coronavirus, and will remain in place until restrictions related to the pandemic are lifted. ‘Freedom of information is a fundamental human right: now […]
PEN International joins Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish PEN centres in expressing deep concern for the well-being of Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, who was handed over 38 years in prison and 148 lashes for national security-related offences.
PEN International welcomes news of the release of prominent Iranian journalist and writer Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand.
Prominent Kurdish filmmaker, imprisoned since November 23, 2016, is in need of urgent medical care after episodes of pulmonary bleeding.
PEN International has learned that prominent filmmaker Keywan Karimi has received a summons to begin serving his sentence on 23 November 2016.
PEN calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Narges Mohammadi, imprisoned for her peaceful exercise of freedom of expression.
PEN is deeply concerned for the health of Kurdish Iranian journalist and writer Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand who began a hunger strike on May 8, 2016.
Finding the Words: Writers on Inspiration, Desire, War, Celebrity, Exile, and Breaking the Rules