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Friend,
Throughout the world, at home and abroad, freedom of expression is under attack.
In the United States, attacks against journalists are at an all-time high, and recent press freedom rankings do not place the U.S. among the top 30 countries—despite freedom of the press being protected in our First Amendment.
But abroad, many journalists, writers, and artists face far greater threats, including imprisonment and torture.
Each year, PEN America members and supporters come together to let imprisoned writers and journalists know that they are not alone.
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, when we celebrate the life of a hero of freedom and justice, will you take a moment to send a message to an imprisoned writer and bring them a ray of hope during their time of darkness?
This year’s recipients are:
- Saudi writer-activist Loujain Al-Hathloul;
- Uyghur economist and writer Ilham Tohti, imprisoned incommunicado in China;
- Ugandan academic and writer Dr. Stella Nyanzi;
- Egyptian poet, lyricist, and activist Galal El-Behairy.
These writers and intellectuals have sacrificed their freedom in the name of free speech. Hearing from us, that they are not forgotten, will mean so much to them and to their families at this challenging time.
This long-standing PEN America tradition brings hope and strength to writers, many of whom keep and share the notes they receive even after they have been released from prison.
Click here to share your message of solidarity with an imprisoned writer today.
Thank you,
Karin Deutsch Karlekar
Director, Free Expression at Risk Programs
PEN America
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