Each year on 15 November, writers, readers and PEN members around the world come together to mark the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, and to show their support for writers in prison and at risk.

This year, to mark the 40th anniversary of the campaign, PEN is featuring the cases of Mohammed Al-Roken (UAE), Rahile Dawut (China, Xinjiang), Selahattin Demirtaş (Turkey), Maykel Osorbo (Cuba), and the collective case of 12 writers imprisoned since 2001 (Eritrea).

Throughout the week we are inviting you to show support for this year’s featured cases. Please take action with us on the following days:

– Maykel Osorbo, Monday 15 November

– Selahattin Demirtaş, Tuesday 16 November

– Rahile Dawut, Wednesday 17 November

– Collective case of 12 Eritrean writers: Dawit Isaak; Amanuel Asrat; Said Idris ‘Abu Are’; Temesken Ghebreyesus; Methanie Haile; Fessehaye ‘Joshua’ Yohannes; Yousif Mohammed Ali; Seyoum Tsehaye; Dawit Habtemichael; Said Abdelkadir; Sahle ‘Wedi-ltay’ Tsefezab; and Matheos Habteab, Thursday 18 November

– Mohammed Al-Roken, Friday 19 November

PEN Centres and members worldwide advocate for these cases, with activities ranging from letter-writing and panel discussions, to press conferences and publishing the work of imprisoned writers. Join us in raising awareness and taking action on social media and through our international letter-writing campaign, PENWrites.

For more information and suggested actions, please visit PEN International’s website.