Rapid Action Network

The Rapid Action Network (RAN) was founded by the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN in 1991.  Its purpose is to alert its members as rapidly as possible to disturbing developments affecting the welfare of writers and journalists around the globe, and to encourage them to respond instantly by writing a letter of appeal and passing the information on to their contacts.

Distributed by email, each alert or 'RAN' gives members the confirmed facts of the case; a paragraph stating clearly what PEN's concerns are about the case; a sample appeal; and the address or fax numbers to which appeals should be addressed. 

Joining the network does not mean you are obliged to respond to every RAN (although one letter every month would be enormously helpful in reinforcing the work we do here) but we do ask that if you decide to send an appeal you do so as soon as possible after you receive the alert.

The Rapid Action Network will also be used to bring you updates from the Writers in Prison Committee  (for example, when a prisoner is acquitted) or when specific appeals arise.

If you are a PEN member and would like further information, please email rapidactionnetwork@englishpen.org

If you want to join PEN, please fill in our Membership form