Scientists muzzled, journalists shut out and critics silenced, all under cover of COVID-19

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Dear Friend,

Governments around the world are using the crisis of COVID-19 to consolidate control, silence critics and enact repressive measures that encroach on free speech and civil liberties. Whether in China, India, Iran, Hungary, or right here in the United States, we’re witnessing disturbing patterns of scientists and health care workers being muzzled or punished for speaking out, new restrictions on the press and journalism, and the invocation of emergency powers lacking checks and balances. As we move toward a world that may include mass surveillance of our movements and contact tracing, transparency, legal oversight, and sunset provisions will be essential to ensuring that we don't enter into a new "forever war" against contagion that leaves our freedoms as casualties.

PEN America is at the forefront of spotlighting and pushing back against encroachments on free speech amid the pandemic through advocacy, campaigning, and member mobilization. I hope you’ll consider supporting PEN America this Giving Tuesday Now with a gift so that we can continue championing the freedom to write. And right now, your gift will be MATCHED dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000, through Wednesday, May 6. ([link removed])
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Our need is real. We have had to cancel and postpone dozens of fundraising events, including our flagship NYC Gala that is the largest source of general support for our organization. We need your help to sustain our staff and vital programs at this uncertain time. Will you lend us your support and spread the word about our Giving Tuesday Now Resilience Fund? ([link removed]) We know there are a lot of worthy causes out there, but our global reach and credibility make our voice unique and essential at a time when societal rules are being rewritten.

We need your help to keep things running at this uncertain time. Even just $10 will help us get to our goal. Will you consider supporting our Giving Tuesday Now Resilience Fund? ([link removed])

Together, we can weather this crisis and ensure that the freedom to write and speak truth to power is safeguarded both here and abroad.

Thank you,
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Summer Lopez
Senior Director, Free Expression Programs
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