When writer Ahmed Naji was in an Egyptian jail, one day he didn’t receive the daily newspaper. He asked the guard why and was told that the paper had a story about Ahmed receiving our annual prize for an imprisoned writer.

Years later, that story continues to stick with me. That even inside the walls of a prison, our message reaches writers at risk. And your support gives us the ability to do so.

Thanks so much for whatever gift you can make this holiday season. We can’t do it without you.




Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf
Senior Director, Literary Programs
PEN America

Summer Lopez here at PEN America. I’m writing with a quick request. Authoritarian leaders typically use the time between Christmas and New Year’s to issue unjust sentences or throw dissidents into prison, hoping that the world is too distracted to pay attention. We’ve seen it year after year, and we expect this December to be no different.

That’s why today I’m asking for your support. Our teams aren’t taking the time off. They are monitoring reports on the ground, talking to our partners, and preparing to contact the press and government officials if and when authoritarian leaders may decide to take drastic steps against dissidents and writers.

We are paying attention, each and every day. Your support gives us the tools to do that. Within the darkest prison cell or the most isolated courtroom, we have one message to persecuted writers around the world: We are with you.

Thanks again so much for your support and generosity this holiday season.

All the best,




Summer Lopez
Senior Director, Free Expression Programs
PEN America

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