Dear friend,

At least 375 writers were held behind bars for their words during 2024. PEN America won't stop fighting until every one of them is free.

Join us for a powerful conversation led by PEN experts Liesl Gerntholtz and Asma Laouira of the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center about how we’re fighting for writers imprisoned for their words and art.

We will be joined by the family of Galal El-Behairy, Egyptian poet, songwriter, and winner of the 2025 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award, who has been imprisoned for his words since 2018. El-Behairy was targeted for his lyrics in a protest song that criticized Egyptian President el-Sisi, and a book of his poetry. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison on national security and “false news” charges, but remains jailed despite having served his full sentence.

Date: Thursday, November 13th, 2025

Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm ET

PEN America
120 Broadway
New York, NY 10271
United States 
PEN America- Washington, DC:
1100 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC xxxxxx
PEN America- Los Angeles:
1370 N. Saint Andrews Place, Los Angeles, CA 90028

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