Campaign with us
Every year, hundreds of writers are imprisoned, persecuted, attacked, threatened, exiled or even murdered as a result of their work. We seek to defend and support them and their families, to pressurise governments where the right to freedom of expression is under attack, and to help bring about the necessary changes to make freedom of expression a reality around the world.
Write to an imprisoned writer
PENWrites is our international letter-writing campaign in solidarity with writers in prison and at risk around the world. Join us in sending a message of hope today.
Featured Writer: Jimmy Lai
Send a message of support to award-winning writer, publisher, and human rights activist, Jimmy Lai, who has been imprisoned in Hong Kong since December 2020 on multiple charges related to his journalism and activism. He faces further charges under the National Security Law (NSL), which could result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
“I get so many letters from PEN members...
Perhaps this is why I never feel helpless.”
Zehra Doğan, Writer in Residence
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Freedom of expression in the UK
We campaign for freedom of expression and the promotion of literature in the United Kingdom.
Help support our work
English PEN is one of the world's oldest human rights organisations. With the support of our members – a community of writers, readers and activists – we protect freedom of expression whenever it is under attack. Your support is vital to our work. There are plenty of ways you can get involved and show your support.
Find out how