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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

    News: Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2011 – Report on Centre Activities

    Poetry by Catalan PEN

    14 December 2011
    On 15 November 2011 PEN International marked the 30th Annual Day of the Imprisoned Writer, a day of action to recognise and support writers who have resisted repression of the basic right to freedom of expression.

    PEN’s members from around the world have commemorated the day with a huge variety of advocacy and campaigning activities, ranging from public demonstrations to press conferences, award ceremonies, poetry readings, theatre events and letter writing sessions, to name just a few.

    This advocacy is part of PEN’s ongoing fight to defend writers who have been faced with harassment and persecution as a result of their work.

    To find out more about the events organized by PEN centers and members to mark the Day please click here to see our report.

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    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.