Today's UK High Court decision is a huge win for #JulianAssange & press freedom. It reignites hope for truth and justice, affirming the right to expose corruption without fear. Next, we need to ensure all charges are dropped. Let's continue campaigning PEN International Free Assange - #FreeAssange

Today’s decision by the UK High Court is a crucial step in our years-long campaign to free #JulianAssange . It is a stepping stone in ensuring that Assange is freed, a small victory for press freedom, and a beacon of hope for whistleblowers worldwide. Our statement:

PEN International, English PEN, and Norsk PEN are back at the Royal Courts of Justice today to attend the final hearing of #JulianAssange which will determine his right to appeal extradition to the USA. We stand in solidarity with Assange and demand his immediate release.

Shocked and appalled by the unfair sentencing of #SelahattinDemirtaş to 42 years in prison. Demirtaş has already been unjustly detained for 7.5 years, far away from his family and loved ones. We once again urge his immediate and unconditional release #FreeDemirtaş

Kateryna Kalytko, poet, translator, author and board member of PEN Ukraine shared this poem as part of Quotes on War: 20 Ukrainian Writers Reflect on the War. Learn more: pen-international.org/news/quotes-on… #Ukraine

We urge political leaders to end their dangerous rhetoric ahead of a UN Srebrenica resolution vote planned for 23 May. Read our statement and appeal for peace by PEN members from the #Western Balkans.
pen-international.org/news/un-srebre…

On Monday, PEN International, English PEN, and Norsk PEN will return to the #UK High Court in solidarity with #JulianAssange . The hearing will determine whether Assange will be extradited to the #US or granted permission to appeal. We reiterate calls for his immediate release:

Appalled by the violent repression of protests against the ‘foreign agents’ law in #Georgia . The authorities must urgently uphold the right to peacefully protest and repeal the repressive legislation, which will severely curtail the rights to freedom of expression & association.

#Georgia : we condemn the excessive use of force by police against peaceful protestors rallying against the ‘foreign agents’ law and call for prompt investigations and accountability. The repressive legislation must be dropped.
theguardian.com/world/article/…

PEN International strongly opposes the use of police force against students, academics and media workers in peaceful protests, and all forms of hate speech. These acts must be fairly investigated and individually assessed. Everyone has the right to peaceful assembly:

'One woman with a laptop' they said dismissively. Now watch them fall.

#DaphneCaruanaGalizia

maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and…

If Ursula von der Leyen hooks up with the ECR (Meloni's Fratelli, Poland's PiS, Spain's Vox...) what will be the impact on press freedom? politico.eu/article/von-de… Tom Gibson Ricardo Gutiérrez Věra Jourová Aurélia Dondo Renate Schroeder Oliver Money-Kyrle Julie Majerczak Council of Europe Media Freedom Aidan White Andrew Stroehlein

Over 100 cultural figures have been killed by Russian forces since the full-scale invasion, though the actual figures are likely higher. PEN International has shared our report on cultural losses.

Read more: bit.ly/3y40lLO

#Türkiye : We join IPI - The Global Network for Independent Media, MLSA and partners in condemning the arrest of three Kurdish journalists last week. We urge their immediate release #JournalismIsNotACrime : pen-international.org/news/trkiye-al…

On #WorldPressFreedomDay , PEN International urgently calls for the defence of press freedom in #Gaza and across the region amidst the death of 97 journalists and media workers since 7 October 2023. Take action with us: pen-international.org/our-campaigns/… #Israel

At least 102 cultural figures – including writers and artists – have been killed by Russian forces in #Ukraine since 24 February 2022. All perpetrators of war crimes and human rights violations must be held to account.

PEN members issue stark warning about intensifying threats to stability in the #WesternBalkans and renew calls for peace. Read their urgent appeal: rb.gy/6nz4y5

According to PEN Ukraine, at least 102 cultural figures have been killed by Russian forces in #Ukraine since 24 February 2022. We renew our call for full justice and accountability.
pen.org.ua/en/lyudy-kultu…

Join author & English PEN Honorary Member Hanna Komar for the launch of her book 'When I'm Out of Here' PEN Belarus PEN International

In #Türkiye , the authorities are increasing their influence on the media and publishing through a sharp rise in #BookBans . Including Not Even the Silence Belongs to You Anymore, by Aslı Erdoğan which was confiscated on the grounds of defaming the Turkish state, military, and