About the Writers in Prison Committee

The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN was set up in 1960 as a result of mounting concern about attempts to silence critical voices around the world through the detention of writers.

It works on behalf of all those who are detained or otherwise persecuted for their opinions expressed in writing, and for writers who are under attack for their peaceful political activities or for the practice of their profession, provided that they did not use violence or advocate violence or racial hatred.

The committee is chaired by Carole Seymour-Jones and the programme is run by our Campaigns Manager, Lucy Miles (lucym@englishpen.org).

The International PEN Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) gathers its information from a wide variety of sources and compiles it in its biannual Case List. It seeks to confirm its information through two independent sources. Where its information is unconfirmed, it will either not take action, or an appeal will be sent, worded to reflect the fact that the information is as yet incomplete. Sources include press reports, reports from individuals in the region in question, reports from other human rights groups, PEN members themselves, embassy officials, academics, prisoners' families, lawyers and friends, exile groups, and international non-governmental organizations.

To view International PEN WiPC's case list of persecuted writers click here 

To view English PEN's Honorary Members click on the link in the left-hand margin

Any PEN member wishing to take part in our Rapid Action Network please e-mail rapidactionnetwork@englishpen.org