PEN America
Coverage of PEN America in the Nexus archive.
- A New Test for Free Expression
PEN America published an article highlighting the isolation of Israeli and Jewish writers since October 7, 2023, leading to its president Dinaw Mengestu resigning in protest. Mengestu argued the article could threaten free speech rights of pro-Palestinian activists, while staff criticized his stance as partisan and neglecting the suppression of Israeli and Jewish writers' expression.
- As Governments Silence Critics During War, Writers Are Among the First to Pay the Price
Governments often suppress critics during wars, with writers facing imprisonment for challenging official narratives. The article highlights Russia, Iran, Israel, and the U.S. as leading jailers of writers in 2025, citing cases like Russia’s 18 detained writers for anti-war expression, Iran’s 53 imprisoned writers, and the U.S. detaining British commentator Sami Hamdi. Wartime also destroys cultural institutions, as seen in Gaza and Ukraine.
- Hello Houston (June 8, 2026)
The Houston People’s Budget Campaign discusses amendment proposals to Mayor Whitmire’s city budget. H.R. 2616 is examined, and PEN America opposes it. Chase Untermeyer discusses his new role with the Houston Public Library.
- ‘Disgraceful’: Egypt jails activist Douma after article on its prisons
Egypt has jailed activist Douma following an article about its prisons. PEN America describes the case as part of an escalating crackdown on writers in Egypt.
- Award-winning Burmese journalist Shin Daewe released from prison
Award-winning Burmese journalist Shin Daewe was released from prison on Friday after being detained since October 2023 for purchasing a video drone. She had been sentenced to life imprisonment in January 2024 under Myanmar's Counter-terrorism Law, but the military junta reduced her sentence to 15 years in January 2025 and subsequently released her entirely. Her release is seen as a significant victory for press freedom advocates, though 40 journalists remain detained in Myanmar.
- RFA welcomes release of Myanmar RFA contributor Shin Daewe
Radio Free Asia (RFA) contributor and journalist Shin Daewe has been released from a Myanmar prison under an amnesty after being detained since October 2023 and sentenced to 15 years. RFA President Bay Fang welcomed her release, noting her suffering for bringing uncensored journalism to Myanmar and crediting advocacy organizations RSF and PEN America for their efforts in securing her freedom.