Ross Holder

Iran: PEN International calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities that undermine international peace and security law — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression... ‘ We are witnessing grave challenges to world peace and security, with political leaders utterly failing to uphold international law and actively dismantling the rules-based order. The international c...

#Iran: PEN International condemns all breaches of international law amid escalating hostilities across the Middle East and is gravely concerned by mounting civilian casualties in Iran and across the region.

Read our full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-pe...

China: PEN International condemns the sentencing of writer and PEN member Zan Aizong to three years in prison  — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide ‘The imprisonment of Zan Aizong for peacefully commemorating the life of Liu Xiaobo underscores China’s continued use of vague criminal charges to silence independent writers and erase collective memo...

#China: Writer and PEN member Zan Aizong has been sentenced to three years in prison after taking part in a peaceful memorial for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo.

PEN International calls for his immediate and unconditional release. Full statement ⬇️

www.pen-international.org/news/china-p...

International: Over 80 civil society organisations call for fair elections at UN Committee — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide 27 February 2026 : Today, on World NGO Day, PEN International celebrates the vital contributions of NGOs across the globe. From defending the right to freedom of expression to responding to humanitar...

On #WorldNGODay, we celebrate NGOs advancing human rights and accountability. Their voices must be heard at the UN.

We’ve signed a joint NGO letter urging ECOSOC Member States to back candidates who protect civil society access.

www.pen-international.org/news/interna...

#OpenTheDoors2NGOs

Russian newspaper refers to "“the machine of persecution & punishment” in today's Russia YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg

This week one Russian newspaper referred to “the machine of persecution & punishment” in Russia. “Everything that a few months ago was not just legal, but natural, is being criminalised.” Plus: “the bomb that destroyed the Stalin myth.” #ReadingRussia

Open letter calling on the UK government to protect BBC World Service funding — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide 23 February 2026: PEN International has joined a coalition of media freedom and journalist organisations in an open letter calling on the UK Government to urgently secure and sustain funding for the...

#UK: We join @indexoncensorship.org and others in urging the UK government to ensure the BBC World Service has the funding it needs to continue its vital work across the globe. Read our joint letter 🔽 www.pen-international.org/news/open-le...

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has dropped a criminal defamation case against Australian writer Murray Hunter in Thailand.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...

Open call: two five-day residencies for writers experiencing displacement to the UK - News & Events - English PEN English PEN open call: two five-day residencies for writers experiencing displacement to the UK

We’ve opened applications for two short residencies for writers in the UK who are currently experiencing displacement.

Find out more and apply ⤵️
www.englishpen.org/posts/not-ra...

Malaysia-Thailand: Australian writer Murray Hunter targeted in act of transnational repression — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide ‘ As the current ASEAN Chair, the Malaysian government has a responsibility to demonstrate its commitment to human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, across the region. Instead, it ...

Malaysia-Thailand: Criminal defamation charges against writer #MurrayHunter have been withdrawn in Thailand following a settlement with Malaysia’s MCMC. His passport has been returned and his Substack restored. ‘I have the freedom to write again'. www.pen-international.org/news/malaysi...

🔴Update: The Chengdu City Public Security Bureau released #LiuHu and #WuYingjiao on bail today, according to a notice issued by the bureau’s Jinjiang District branch, which stated that the investigation is ongoing.

Hong Kong’s once-vibrant press stays silent or celebrates Jimmy Lai’s 20-year jail sentence Lack of response shows security law and harassment by authorities have muzzled ‘critical voices’, say experts * The rise and fall of Jimmy Lai, whose trajectory mirrored that of Hong Kong itself Hong Kong’s once-vibrant media outlets have responded with silence or celebration to the 20-year jail sentence handed down to Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media tycoon and critic of the Chinese Communist party. Lai, 78, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison after being convicted of sedition and colluding with foreign forces under Hong Kong’s national security law. The charges were widely seen as being politically motivated and designed to silence one of Hong Kong’s most influential pro-democracy campaigners. Continue reading...

Hong Kong’s once-vibrant press stays silent or celebrates Jimmy Lai’s 20-year jail sentence

China – Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison in a devastating blow to freedom of expression — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide ‘Sentencing Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison is an act of profound cruelty. It is a punishment intended not only to silence one man, but to extinguish independent journalism from Hong Kong. Given Jimmy...

China – Hong Kong: A 20-year sentence for #JimmyLai is a chilling act of repression. At 78, after years in solitary confinement and with failing health, this punishment is cruel and unjust. PEN International calls for his immediate release. www.pen-international.org/news/china-h...

Jimmy Lai:

Response from his children, Sebastien & Claire, & from the international legal team to this predictable but nonetheless disgraceful sentence.

Press queries: see contact details here & please direct queries through them. Thank you.

“It has been one year since anyone saw Hada, a Mongolian writer, bookseller, and activist who was disappeared from his hospital bed on February 6, 2025,” writes Erika Nguyen. He is one of many writers who have suffered under the constant repression by the Chinese state. More: pen.org/mongolian-wr...

Myanmar: Five years after the coup, expression remains under attack — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide “Last month, the Myanmar military attempted to legitimise its rule through a carefully orchestrated electoral process. This so-called election was nothing more than an effort to impose a veneer of leg...

#Myanmar: For 5 years, the military has attempted to silence a nation through terror, censorship, and brutality, yet it has failed to extinguish the voices of those resisting its rule. This anniversary must serve as a moment of renewed international resolve. www.pen-international.org/news/myanmar...

Argentina: Alarm over government’s ongoing efforts to undermine freedom of expression  — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide “ When a government turns criticism into an enemy and journalism into a target, it does not only attack those who inform; it deliberately weakens the fundamental rights of society as a whole. ” Burhan...

#Argentina: PEN International raises alarm over escalating attacks on freedom of expression, including legal harassment of journalists and the misuse of state power to silence dissent.

Read our full statement ⬇️

www.pen-international.org/news/argenti...

Australian retiree's detention in Thailand a warning, lawyer says Rights groups slam Thai authorities' detention and legal proceedings against Australian writer Murray Hunter, after Malaysia's communications regulator submitted a criminal defamation complaint.

"Even though a settlement has now been reached, the case illustrates how legal systems can be weaponised to intimidate journalists beyond national borders," — Michael Altman Rosen-Lupu, Head of Asia-Pacific at PEN International

Read this article from ABC Australia ⬇️

www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...

Malaysia-Thailand: Australian writer Murray Hunter targeted in act of transnational repression — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide ‘ As the current ASEAN Chair, the Malaysian government has a responsibility to demonstrate its commitment to human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, across the region. Instead, it ...

🚨 #Malaysia #Thailand: We welcome the recent settlement for Australian writer Murray Hunter, but his case remains a stark example of a transnational SLAPP involving civil defamation in Malaysia and criminal defamation in Thailand.

Read more ⬇️

www.pen-international.org/news/malaysi...

Iran: Authorities must end brutal crackdown on protests and internet shutdowns   — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide “We are horrified to see such a deadly response to people’s legitimate demands for better economic conditions. Iranian authorities have systematically stifled and repressed dissent over the years. We ...

#Iran: We are deeply concerned by the deadly crackdown on protests amid internet blackouts and unlawful force. We call for an end to these violations and for the rights to peaceful assembly and free expression to be respected.

Read our full statement ⬇️

www.pen-international.org/news/iran-au...

#Philippines: We welcome the acquittal of writer and activist Amanda Echanis after five years of unjust detention. Her persecution reflects the dangers of red-tagging and politically motivated charges. Our statement: www.pen-international.org/news/philipp...

U.S. Withdrawal From International Cultural Organizations Sparks Alarm Trump's sweeping decision to withdraw from a host of international cultural organizations has sparked alarm at arts advocacy groups.

The U.S. withdrawal from international cultural bodies is dangerous. At a time of rising censorship, these organisations defend freedom of expression. Abdicating commitments undermines global norms and aids those who silence critical voices. news.artnet.com/art-world/us...

For 2025 there were some 178,725 asylum seekers from China, per the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees (@Refugees). Chart: Safeguard Defenders.

The Tomorrow Club aims to support and mentor young writers amid polarity and tech-driven chaos “The youth should never believe that history is written only by the victors, or that it can be permanently manipulated through narrative wars.”

In this recent interview with Global Voices (@globalvoices.org), Ege Dündar (@ege-dundar.bsky.social) reflects on the work of the Young Writers Committee (@youngwriterspen.bsky.social) and the increasing importance of supporting emerging voices.
Read more ⬇️

globalvoices.org/2025/12/26/t...

Jimmy Lai found guilty in long-running national security trial - News & Events - English PEN

Together with @peninternational.bsky.social, we condemn the guilty verdict against Jimmy Lai & urge the UK government to act immediately and decisively on his behalf.

Read our statement & send a message of solidarity to Jimmy Lai through #PENWrites. #FreeJimmyLai
www.englishpen.org/posts/campai...

China - Hong Kong: Civil society organisations urge UK PM to stand up for Jimmy Lai — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide 15 December 2025: Following today’s unjust guilty verdict handed down to writer and media publisher Jimmy Lai, PEN International and English PEN have joined Hong Kong Watch and over 30 other civ...

#HongKong: Yesterday, we have joined @englishpen.bsky.social, @hongkongwatch.bsky.social & over 30 other civil society organisations in an open letter to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him press for Jimmy Lai's release.

Read the letter below ⬇️

www.pen-international.org/news/china-h...

We condemn the conviction of Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai. He now faces possible life in prison.

The international community, including the US, must stand up for independent media and continue pressing for Lai’s release.

#FreeJimmyLai bsky.app/profile/peni...

China - Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai found guilty in long-running national security trial — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide “ The guilty verdict handed down to writer and media publisher Jimmy Lai is nothing less than a travesty and a betrayal of Hong Kong’s once vaunted legal system. Jimmy Lai’s selfless commitment to Hon...

#HongKong: Together with @englishpen.bsky.social, we condemn the conviction of writer and media publisher #JimmyLai. We continue to stand with him and urge the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally. www.pen-international.org/news/china-h...

China - Hong Kong: Verdict of Jimmy Lai’s trial expected to be issued on Monday — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide “ In advance of the verdict expected to be handed down on Monday, we call on the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities once again to end this injustice by dropping all charges against writer and media pub...

#HongKong: With Jimmy Lai's national security trial verdict now expected on Monday, we again urge the authorities to end this injustice by dropping all charges against him and to release him immediately. Read our latest statement 🔽
www.pen-international.org/news/china-h...

Vietnam: Four years after Pham Doan Trang’s sentencing, the international coalition is once again urging her release — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldw... 12 December 2025 – Ahead of the fourth anniversary of the sentencing of prominent Vietnamese journalist, writer, and woman human rights defender Pham Doan Trang, an international coalition of non-gove...

#Vietnam: Ahead of the 4th anniversary of writer Pham Doan Trang's unjust sentencing, we join @rsf.org @amnesty.org @penamerica.bsky.social @pressfreedom.bsky.social & others in calling on the international community to secure her release #FreePhamDoanTrang www.pen-international.org/news/vietnam...

On #HumanRightsDay, PEN International launches its first global #LiteraryAuction — featuring rare contributions from leading writers, with all proceeds supporting freedom of expression worldwide.

Explore the auction: www.pen-international.org/news/literar...