In Focus

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      Every year, PEN International hosts a number of events around the world promoting freedom of expression and celebrating literature in a variety of ways. PEN Centres stage events such as literary festivals large and small, storytelling sessions with families and children, book clubs and everything in between. One important occasion to mark is the annual Day of the Imprisoned Writer, 15 November, which gives the entire PEN community a chance to celebrate our work across the world as well as drawing attention to the ongoing persecution faced by many writers today.

    • 16 May 2012 Bled
      Writers for Peace Committee Bled Conference
    • 12 Jun 2012 Barcelona
      Girona Manifesto Presentation
    • 17 Jun 2012 АР Крым,
      THE 4TH URAL – ALTAY PEN CENTRES SOLIDARITY NETWORK CONFERENCE

    Blog

    May 17 2012 Writers for Peace meet at Lake Bled by Laura McVeigh

    Executive Director Laura McVeigh writes from the Writers for Peace Committee meeting at Bled, Slovenia I am writing from the 44th Writers for Peace Committee meeting which takes place this …

     May 11 2012 A Writer And Intellectual With An Unwavering Moral Compass by Karis Eaglestone

    Chairperson of Swedish PEN Ola Larsmo writes about his memories of Thomas von Vegesack: Just two months ago, Thomas von Vegesack and I sat and talked about his latest book …

     May 9 2012 Honduras: Killing Free Expression, by Cathal Sheerin by cathal

    Cathal Sheerin of the WiPC writes about Honduras in the Huffington Post: Erick Martínez Ávila, a 32-year old Honduran journalist and gay rights activist, was found dead and dumped in …

     May 3 2012 Mexico must do more to protect journalists: John Ralston Saul speaks to The Globe and Mail by Ruth Simister

    PEN International’s International President, John Ralston Saul, talked to The Globe and Mail about the urgent situation of violence and impunity targetting journalists and writers in Mexico. Watch the video …

     Message to the members of PEN International, from Executive Director, Laura McVeigh by paul

    Message from Executive Director, Laura McVeigh: Dear Friends, here is the latest news from the International Office. Staff News I am delighted to announce that Frank Geary and Sara Whyatt …

    PEN International celebrates literature and promotes freedom of expression. Founded in 1921, our global community of writers now spans more than 100 countries. Our campaigns, events, publications and programmes aim to connect writers and readers wherever they are in the world.