PEN Canada envisions a world where
writers are free to write,
readers are free to read,
and freedom of expression prevails
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi continues to chill freedom of expression in the Middle East By Abdulrahman Matar Two years have passed since Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The Saudi authorities have succeeded in exhausting the legal process through an official recognition of the crime and a mock […]
PEN International condemns the ongoing arbitrary detention of blogger Raif Badawi, currently serving a 10-year sentence in Saudi Arabia.
Imprisoned Palestinian poet and visual artist Ashraf Fayadh will receive the PEN Canada One Humanity Award, October 20 at the International Festival of Authors.
Well known Saudi Arabian writer Nadhir al-Majid had his sentence upheld by the Riyadh Court of Appeal on June 4, 2017.
The international literature festival Berlin calls on all that care about justice and freedom to participate in a worldwide reading in support of Ashraf Fayadh on January 14, 2016.
PEN Canada joins PEN International in their condemnation of Saudi Arabian authorities’ decision to sentence poet Ashraf Fayadh to death.
Excerpt from the book 1000 Lashes, by Raif Badawi, published in 2015 by Greystone Books
PEN Canada president, Randy Boyagoda, reflects on the Saudi bid to head the UN Human Rights Council and how freeing Raif Badawi could impact the Kingdom’s international reputation.
On June 7, 2015, the Saudi Supreme Court confirmed the sentence of 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes imposed on editor Raif Badawi after his conviction for “insulting Islam” and “founding a liberal website.”
According to unconfirmed reports, Raif Badawi, who was sentenced by a Saudi Arabian court to 10 years in prison, 1,000 lashes, a fine, and a 10-year travel ban may now face a retrial for ‘apostasy’ which could result in the death penalty if he is convicted.
Finding the Words: Writers on Inspiration, Desire, War, Celebrity, Exile, and Breaking the Rules