RE: The freedom to write—a precondition for democracy and peace

Friend, I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t think it was important. Writers like Nobel winners Dmitry Muratov and Maria Ressa are helping keep freedom and democracy alive in countries where the light of freedom is fast dimming. There are very few organizations like PEN America that not only support writers in dire straits but appeal to world leaders for their freedom and protection. As a journalist and writer, I’m proud to call myself a lifelong member of PEN America—and a supporter of free expression as a precondition for peace.

SUPPORT FREE EXPRESSION

We still have a long way to go to hit our year end goal. Every dollar counts. We’re grateful for every contribution to the work.

Thanks,

Masha Gessen
Vice President, PEN America

PS -- If you’ve already given, thank you so much. We can’t do this alone.

Dear Friend,

Just last week, journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov received the Nobel Peace Prize. In the days after the Nobel Committee's announcement in October that Maria and Dmitry would receive the Prize, I interviewed Dmitry, both via phone and in his office in Moscow. He and his colleagues have endured decades of threats, the murder of their colleagues, campaigns of intimidation designed to silence them. Remaining independent and credible amid rising autocracies is an act of courage.

ACT NOW TO SUPPORT WRITERS

Every day, PEN America stands up for writers like Maria and Dmitry. Worldwide, journalists like them report on corruption, murder, self-dealing, and atrocities that governments would rather hide away. Their work is essential to democracy, essential to understanding the world around us. As the Nobel Committee said, freedom of expression is “a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.” At PEN America, we couldn’t agree more.

But there’s no way we can do it without your support. In just the last year, the number of countries threatening writers and journalists has ballooned. Poets gunned down in the towns and cities of Myanmar. An airliner plucked from the skies over Belarus to capture a dissident blogger. Cuban forces surrounding the houses of writers who dare take part in peaceful protests. The mandate is huge, and we are working to keep up.

Help us outpace the autocracies. Donate what you can. I know we’re asking a lot of you this year, but I wouldn’t be writing if I didn’t believe your support could make a real difference for writers like Dmitry and Maria around the world.

Thanks so much,

Masha Gessen
Vice President, PEN America

PS -- In my own reporting I’ve seen how much the support of the global community uplifts writers. Your gift gives them the support they need.

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