American PEN Association
Literary organization
📰 Recent Mentions
View Timeline →Golrokh Iraee and Ali Asadollahi Win American PEN Freedom to Write Award
Golrokh Iraee and Ali Asadollahi have been recognized with the American PEN's Freedom to Write Award for 2026. Their activism and contributions to literature highlight…
Over 210 Hours of Internet Shutdown in Iran; Continued Global Reactions to the Bloody Suppression of Protesters
Iran has experienced over 210 hours of internet shutdown amid violent suppression of protests, leading to thousands of deaths and international condemnation. Human rights organizations…
Two Human Rights Organizations Hold the Islamic Republic Responsible for the Death of Bakhtash Abtin
On the third anniversary of Bakhtash Abtin's death, two human rights organizations blamed the Iranian government for his death due to inadequate medical care. They…
End of House Arrest; Mehdi Yarahy Still Faces Whipping Punishment
Mehdi Yarahy, an Iranian protest singer, has completed his one-year prison sentence but still faces 74 lashes as punishment. His lawyer announced his release under…
Dozens of International Organizations and Hundreds of Activists Call for the Release of Reza Khandan and Nasrin Sotoudeh
International legal organizations and over 750 activists are demanding the immediate release of Reza Khandan and Nasrin Sotoudeh, who are facing judicial harassment in Iran.…
Human Rights Organizations: Death Sentences for Political Prisoners in Iran Should Be Revoked
Human rights organizations have condemned the death sentences of political prisoners Pakhshan Azizi and Varisheh Moradi in Iran, calling for the immediate revocation of all…
Mehdi Yarrahi Reflects on the Anniversary of His Arrest: 'When You Get Whipped, You Are Filled with Freedom'
Mehdi Yarrahi, an Iranian singer, marked the anniversary of his arrest for singing a protest song against the mandatory hijab law. His arrest and subsequent…
Concerns of International Organizations Following the Beating of Narges Mohammadi and Other Female Prisoners in Evin
Narges Mohammadi, a prominent human rights activist, was reportedly beaten in Evin prison, raising international concerns about her safety and the treatment of political prisoners…
Increased Global Demands for the Release of Narges Mohammadi; American PEN Launches a Petition Campaign
Global calls for the release of Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, have intensified following reports of her mistreatment in Evin Prison. Organizations like…
Sepideh Rashno: The Power of the Powerless Stands Against Oppression
Sepideh Rashno, a civil activist against compulsory hijab, expressed gratitude for the support of the powerless as her prison sentence is postponed. She criticized the…
The Execution of Sepideh Rashno's Sentence Suspended
Sepideh Rashno's prison sentence has been suspended until August 4 after her brother announced a retrial. Rashno, a civil activist, criticized her unjust punishment for…
Sepideh Rashno, Civil Activist Opposing Mandatory Hijab: Every Individual Must Stand for Their Identity and Personal Life
Sepideh Rashno, a civil activist sentenced to over three years in prison for opposing mandatory hijab, criticized her punishment and called for individuals to stand…
Sepideh Roshno: The Islamic Republic, like any other totalitarian regime, is deeply afraid of narrators
Sepideh Roshno, a civil activist and opponent of compulsory hijab, has been summoned to serve a prison sentence, prompting the American PEN Association to publish…
American PEN Calls on Writers Worldwide to Speak Up for Sepideh Rashno and Imprisoned Authors
The American PEN Association has called on global writers to advocate for Sepideh Rashno, an imprisoned Iranian author protesting mandatory hijab. Rashno's writings highlight the…
Reporters Without Borders Announces New Campaign for the Release of Narges Mohammadi
Reporters Without Borders has launched a new international campaign for the immediate release of Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian journalist and human rights defender. This campaign…
Trial on Charges of 'Propaganda Against the Regime' and 'Protesting Sexual Assault' on Women; Narges Mohammadi: The Court Must Be Public
Narges Mohammadi, a prominent human rights activist and Nobel laureate, is facing trial on charges of 'propaganda against the regime' and protesting sexual assaults against…
Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, to be Tried Again in a 'New Case'
Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, is set to face a new trial in Iran for alleged propaganda against the…
Brother of Civil Activist Reports; Execution of Sepideh Roshno's Prison Sentence Halted Until March 10
Sepideh Roshno's prison sentence execution has been suspended until March 10 after a retrial was accepted by the Supreme Court. Roshno, a civil activist against…
Reactions to the Arrest of 'Vafadar'; Mehran Aminian: Artists Cannot Be Restricted by 'Arrests and Imprisonments'
Vafa Ahmadpour, a protest rapper, was arrested by Iranian authorities, prompting calls for his release from artists and organizations, including Mehran Aminian and the American…
American PEN Association Protests Imprisonment and Whipping Sentence for Mahdi Yarahy
The American PEN Association has protested the harsh sentencing of Iranian singer Mahdi Yarahy, who was sentenced to two years in prison and 74 lashes…