PEN International 61d ago

Established in 1960, PEN International's Case List is the world's longest-running record of attacks on freedom of expression faced by writers around the globe. In addition to documenting freedom of expression issues and emblematic cases of writers who have been subjected to threats, harassment, long-term imprisonment, and even death, the Case List also serves as a powerful rallying cry for civil society to coordinate advocacy and campaigning to protect the right to freedom of expression, and to free writers whose persecution is documented within its pages. In this recorded panel discussion, writers whose release was supported through sustained international advocacy come together with those who have tirelessly campaigned for the right to freedom of expression, to reflect on the lived experience of persecution and the profound difference that acts of international solidarity — and the work of organisations like PEN International — can make in the lives of those whose voices the world cannot afford to lose. Moderator Peter Greste is an Australian-born journalist, author and academic, and patron of PEN Perth. Having himself been imprisoned in Egypt while reporting for Al Jazeera, Greste brings both personal experience and professional authority to his role as a leading advocate for press freedom. Speakers Hany Babu is an Indian academic, linguist and anti-caste activist who was imprisoned under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and was widely regarded as a prisoner of conscience before his release on bail in December 2025. Mahmoud Muna is a Palestinian writer, publisher and bookseller whose work promoting Palestinian literature and culture includes Jerusalem's renowned Educational Bookshop and the Bookshop at the American Colony Hotel. He writes on culture and politics for outlets including the London Review of Books and Jerusalem Quarterly, and is co-editor of Daybreak in Gaza: Stories of Palestinian Lives and Culture (Saqi Books). Taciana Niadbaj is a Belarusian poet, translator, human rights activist and President of PEN Belarus. She is the author of the poetry collection Sirens Are Singing Jazz and the founder of the publishing house Połackija Łabitynty. 🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on our latest events and advocacy work: https://www.pen-international.org/newsletter-sign-up 🌐 Find out more about PEN International: www.pen-international.org