Latest News from PEN Melbourne
The Writers in Prison Committee of PEN International was set up in 1960 as a result of mounting concern about attempts to silence critical voices around the world. An office was set up at the PEN head office in London to gather information and to alert the PEN membership to take action. The WiPC is now staffed by a team of experts who monitor around 1,000 attacks on writers, journalists, editors, poets, publishers and others in any given year. These include long prison terms, harassment, threats, and murder.
A Letter From Narges’ Family: A Historic and Profound Moment for Iran’s Fight for Freedom: The Distinguished 2023 Nobel Peace Prize Bestowed upon Iranian Human Rights Defender Narges Mohammadi for her Unwavering Dedication to Human Rights and Women’s Rights Over the Years. With utmost sincerity, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all Iranians, with a special emphasis on the courageous women and girls of Iran who have consistently advocated for justice, peace, and equality & freedom. This prestigious recognition serves …
THE TRUST FALL: JULIAN ASSANGE Documentary Trailer (Note the final trailer is still under construction and should be finished in September) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5dvAdJd2n8 And here is a video of audience responses at the world premiere on 30th Jul ’23 in Melbourne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsP7FsurKp4 Links to social media: FB: https://www.facebook.com/freethetruthdocumentary X: https://twitter.com/FreeAssangeDoco IG: https://www.instagram.com/freethetruthdoco Logline A man who risked everything to bring the truth to light. Synopsis Despite being detained, silenced and hidden from public view in maximum security Belmarsh Prison, multi-award-winning Australian journalist and publisher …
Image courtesy of Wang Jing 02 August 2023: Last weekend marked four years since citizen journalist, publisher and activist Huang Qi (黄琦) was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression. Huang suffers from several critical health conditions and the authorities have repeatedly denied requests from his family and legal representatives to meet with him in-person since he was imprisoned. We are deeply concerned for his health and well-being and call for his immediate …
An Open Letter to the British Consul General Regarding Mr Julian Assange 7 August 2023 Dear Mr. Stephen Lysaght, We seek your urgent intervention in a matter that concerns the life of an Australian citizen, Julian Assange. Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, William E. Gladstone, once stated “Justice delayed is justice denied” in the spirit of the Magna Carta, clause 40, which reads “To no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay, right …
As a member of PEN Melbourne, you will receive a monthly Update with news about our activities and campaigns, and invitations to a program of events with renowned Australian and international writers and activists. The PEN Melbourne Journal is also produced twice a year and distributed free to members.
