Join PEN members and supporters around the world taking action for writers at risk
Every year on 15 November, PEN centres across the globe come together to mark the annual Day of the Imprisoned Writer. Each year, PEN focuses on five colleagues whose cases are emblematic of the kinds of challenges writers around the world are facing today, simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
Please take a few minutes to take one of our suggested actions, and help spread the word.
Oleg Sentsov
Writer and filmmaker Oleg Sentsov is serving a 20-year prison sentence in Siberia, thousands of kilometres from his home and family.
Take a few moments to send them a message of support
Shahidul Alam
Award-winning photographer, writer and activist Shahidul Alam has been held in pre-trial detention in Bangladesh since August 2018.
Join the call for his release on social media
Wael Abbas
Blogger and activist Wael Abbas has been arbitrarily detained in Egypt for almost six months in relation to his peaceful activism and critical writings.
Miroslava Breach Velducea
Veteran journalist Miroslava Breach Velducea was murdered in Mexico in 2017. We’re asking the Mexican Ambassador to the UK to ensure those responsible are brought to justice and for an end to impunity for crimes against journalists.
Sign our letter to the Ambassador
Dawit Isaak
Writer Dawit Isaak has been held incommunicado in Eritrea for over 17 years, one of several journalists whose whereabouts remain unknown.
This year, we’re also delighted to announce our ‘Art Matters’ auction, featuring original artwork by illustrator Chris Riddell from the London launch of ‘Art Matters’, his latest collaboration with Neil Gaiman. All proceeds will go to support English PEN and our campaigning work for writers at risk around the world. Find out more and place your bids here!