Ross Holder
@h0ro.bsky.social
Head of Asia/ Pacific at PEN International | Views own
Reposted by Ross Holder
“We should all worry deeply about a world in which authoritarian governments use threats against people at home to silence critics of human-rights abuses abroad,” writes Laura Murphy in a guest essay
A human-rights researcher on why she pushed back when China bullied her university
Democratic governments must resist authoritarian states trying to co-opt their institutions, writes Laura Murphy
econ.st
November 11, 2025 at 9:00 PM
“We should all worry deeply about a world in which authoritarian governments use threats against people at home to silence critics of human-rights abuses abroad,” writes Laura Murphy in a guest essay
Reposted by Ross Holder
EVENT: From nationwide surveillance to the silencing of critical voices, this panel will explore the inner workings of China’s prison system and the courage of those who resist it.
Tickets ⬇️
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
Tickets ⬇️
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
November 8, 2025 at 10:23 AM
EVENT: From nationwide surveillance to the silencing of critical voices, this panel will explore the inner workings of China’s prison system and the courage of those who resist it.
Tickets ⬇️
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
Tickets ⬇️
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
For those in London next Fri, please join us for this fantastic event, organised by the Independent Chinese PEN Centre, in partnership with PEN International
May be of interest to your networks: @ppoon.bsky.social, @nicolamacbean.bsky.social, @taniabranigan.bsky.social,
@pm-thornton.bsky.social
May be of interest to your networks: @ppoon.bsky.social, @nicolamacbean.bsky.social, @taniabranigan.bsky.social,
@pm-thornton.bsky.social
Join the Independent Chinese PEN Centre with PEN International for “Chinese Prisons and International War: The 2025 ICPC Awards and Panel Discussions” on 14 November 2025, 1–5 PM.
Tickets available now ⬇️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
#DayOfTheImprisonedWriter
Tickets available now ⬇️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
#DayOfTheImprisonedWriter
November 6, 2025 at 3:43 PM
For those in London next Fri, please join us for this fantastic event, organised by the Independent Chinese PEN Centre, in partnership with PEN International
May be of interest to your networks: @ppoon.bsky.social, @nicolamacbean.bsky.social, @taniabranigan.bsky.social,
@pm-thornton.bsky.social
May be of interest to your networks: @ppoon.bsky.social, @nicolamacbean.bsky.social, @taniabranigan.bsky.social,
@pm-thornton.bsky.social
Reposted by Ross Holder
Join the Independent Chinese PEN Centre with PEN International for “Chinese Prisons and International War: The 2025 ICPC Awards and Panel Discussions” on 14 November 2025, 1–5 PM.
Tickets available now ⬇️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
#DayOfTheImprisonedWriter
Tickets available now ⬇️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
#DayOfTheImprisonedWriter
November 4, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Join the Independent Chinese PEN Centre with PEN International for “Chinese Prisons and International War: The 2025 ICPC Awards and Panel Discussions” on 14 November 2025, 1–5 PM.
Tickets available now ⬇️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
#DayOfTheImprisonedWriter
Tickets available now ⬇️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-pr...
#DayOfTheImprisonedWriter
Reposted by Ross Holder
What would a world with true freedom of expression look like? 💡
At this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair with @youngwriterspen.bsky.social, leading voices reminded us that freedom of expression isn’t easy... It’s dialogue, discomfort, and the courage to speak and listen so every voice can be heard.
At this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair with @youngwriterspen.bsky.social, leading voices reminded us that freedom of expression isn’t easy... It’s dialogue, discomfort, and the courage to speak and listen so every voice can be heard.
October 22, 2025 at 10:22 AM
What would a world with true freedom of expression look like? 💡
At this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair with @youngwriterspen.bsky.social, leading voices reminded us that freedom of expression isn’t easy... It’s dialogue, discomfort, and the courage to speak and listen so every voice can be heard.
At this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair with @youngwriterspen.bsky.social, leading voices reminded us that freedom of expression isn’t easy... It’s dialogue, discomfort, and the courage to speak and listen so every voice can be heard.
Reposted by Ross Holder
#China: Today, on the 10-year anniversary of the kidnapping of poet, bookseller and PEN member, Gui Minhai, 65 PEN Centres around the world renew our demand for his immediate and unconditional release.
Read our joint statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-p...
#FreeGuiMinhai
Read our joint statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-p...
#FreeGuiMinhai
PEN International
#China: Today, on the 10-year anniversary of the kidnapping of poet, bookseller and PEN member, Gui Minhai, 65 PEN Centres around the world renew our demand for his immediate and unconditional...
www.facebook.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:32 AM
#China: Today, on the 10-year anniversary of the kidnapping of poet, bookseller and PEN member, Gui Minhai, 65 PEN Centres around the world renew our demand for his immediate and unconditional release.
Read our joint statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-p...
#FreeGuiMinhai
Read our joint statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-p...
#FreeGuiMinhai
Reposted by Ross Holder
#China: We join RSF in a coalition of 90 civil society organisations demanding the immediate release of poet, bookseller and PEN member, Gui Minhai.
Read more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-j...
#FreeGuiMinhai
Read more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-j...
#FreeGuiMinhai
China: Joint Statement from Civil Society Groups on the Chinese Government’s Arbitrary Detention of Swedish publisher Gui Minhai — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expre...
15 October 2025: This week marks the 10th anniversary of the abduction of poet, bookseller and PEN member, Gui Minhai. This is the first of two joint statements that will be published this week, in wh...
www.pen-international.org
October 15, 2025 at 12:27 PM
#China: We join RSF in a coalition of 90 civil society organisations demanding the immediate release of poet, bookseller and PEN member, Gui Minhai.
Read more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-j...
#FreeGuiMinhai
Read more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-j...
#FreeGuiMinhai
Reposted by Ross Holder
i desperately want everyone involved in the destruction of USAID to have to, st the very least, answer to the american people for the suffering and misery they have caused apnews.com/article/myan...
Starving children screaming for food as US aid cuts unleash devastation and death across Myanmar
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly said “no one has died" because of his government’s decision to gut its foreign aid program.
apnews.com
October 8, 2025 at 2:59 PM
i desperately want everyone involved in the destruction of USAID to have to, st the very least, answer to the american people for the suffering and misery they have caused apnews.com/article/myan...
Reposted by Ross Holder
We are alarmed at reports that photojournalist and writer Shahidul Alam and others have been detained following the interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. We call for their immediate release and safe return.
Read his recent article ⬇️
en.prothomalo.com/opinion/5gzi...
Read his recent article ⬇️
en.prothomalo.com/opinion/5gzi...
Life on Conscience
This is not about those of us on this ship. It is about Palestinians, particularly Gazans. We have gone way past the time for words and gestures. It is time for action.
en.prothomalo.com
October 8, 2025 at 1:55 PM
We are alarmed at reports that photojournalist and writer Shahidul Alam and others have been detained following the interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. We call for their immediate release and safe return.
Read his recent article ⬇️
en.prothomalo.com/opinion/5gzi...
Read his recent article ⬇️
en.prothomalo.com/opinion/5gzi...
Reposted by Ross Holder
#Malaysia 🇲🇾 Centre for Independent Journalism & PEN Malaysia raised this question after Murray Hunter's arrest. "Is this a justifiable use of law enforcement and taxpayers’ money to pursue a political commentator abroad for alleged defamation against a public institution?"
Malaysia: Detention of political commentator Murray Hunter a suppression of free speech - IFEX
The Australian-born journalist and political commentator was arrested at Bangkok airport allegedly for defamation at the behest of Malaysian authorities.
buff.ly
October 8, 2025 at 7:00 AM
#Malaysia 🇲🇾 Centre for Independent Journalism & PEN Malaysia raised this question after Murray Hunter's arrest. "Is this a justifiable use of law enforcement and taxpayers’ money to pursue a political commentator abroad for alleged defamation against a public institution?"
Reposted by Ross Holder
#Vietnam: On the fifth anniversary of writer and journalist Pham Doan Trang's arrest, we join a coalition of 21 rights organisations calling for her release.
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/vietnam...
#FreePhamDoanTrang
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/vietnam...
#FreePhamDoanTrang
Vietnam: On 5th anniversary of writer Pham Doan Trang’s arrest, PEN International joins coalition calling for her release — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression W...
6 October 2025: Ahead of the fifth anniversary of the detention of prominent Vietnamese journalist, writer and woman human rights defender Pham Doan Trang, an international coalition of non-government...
www.pen-international.org
October 6, 2025 at 10:14 AM
#Vietnam: On the fifth anniversary of writer and journalist Pham Doan Trang's arrest, we join a coalition of 21 rights organisations calling for her release.
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/vietnam...
#FreePhamDoanTrang
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/vietnam...
#FreePhamDoanTrang
Reposted by Ross Holder
Don’t miss this important discussion! PEN Malaysia, PEN Philippines, and PEN International are hosting a panel ahead of Myanmar’s December elections, exploring the links between the electoral process, violence & restrictions on free expression. Oct 5, 3–4 pm (MYT). meet.google.com/dbh-tngp-fnr
October 3, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Don’t miss this important discussion! PEN Malaysia, PEN Philippines, and PEN International are hosting a panel ahead of Myanmar’s December elections, exploring the links between the electoral process, violence & restrictions on free expression. Oct 5, 3–4 pm (MYT). meet.google.com/dbh-tngp-fnr
Reposted by Ross Holder
#Malaysia #Thailand: We join PEN Malaysia in expressing concern over the arrest of writer & journalist #MurrayHunter by the Thai police, reportedly at the behest of the Malaysian authorities. As ASEAN chair, Malaysia must reflect on the signal this sends. abcnews.go.com/Internationa...
Australian says he was improperly arrested in Thailand over his criticism of Malaysia
An Australian man arrested in Thailand on a defamation charge he says originated with Malaysia's government claims he is a victim of transnational repression, in which Southeast Asia countries coopera...
abcnews.go.com
October 3, 2025 at 12:22 PM
#Malaysia #Thailand: We join PEN Malaysia in expressing concern over the arrest of writer & journalist #MurrayHunter by the Thai police, reportedly at the behest of the Malaysian authorities. As ASEAN chair, Malaysia must reflect on the signal this sends. abcnews.go.com/Internationa...
Reposted by Ross Holder
We welcome the news that @pensweden.bsky.social has awarded the 2025 Tucholsky Prize to imprisoned author Phạm Đoan Trang.
This recognition shines an important light on her courage to overcome state censorship and her tireless fight for freedom of expression.
www.svenskapen.se/senaste-nytt...
This recognition shines an important light on her courage to overcome state censorship and her tireless fight for freedom of expression.
www.svenskapen.se/senaste-nytt...
Tucholskypriset 2025 tilldelas fängslade författaren Phạm Đoan Trang — Svenska PEN
Den fängslade vietnamesiska författaren Phạm Đoan Trang 2025 års Tucholskypris. Motiveringen lyder: Författaren och publicisten Phạm Đoan Trang tilldelas Tucholskypriset 2025 för sitt hängivna skrivan...
www.svenskapen.se
October 2, 2025 at 3:12 PM
We welcome the news that @pensweden.bsky.social has awarded the 2025 Tucholsky Prize to imprisoned author Phạm Đoan Trang.
This recognition shines an important light on her courage to overcome state censorship and her tireless fight for freedom of expression.
www.svenskapen.se/senaste-nytt...
This recognition shines an important light on her courage to overcome state censorship and her tireless fight for freedom of expression.
www.svenskapen.se/senaste-nytt...
Reposted by Ross Holder
Den fängslade vietnamesiska författaren Phạm Đoan Trang tilldelas 2025 års Tucholskypris av Svenska PEN.
Imprisoned author Phạm Đoan Trang is awarded the 2025 Tucholsky Prize.
Imprisoned author Phạm Đoan Trang is awarded the 2025 Tucholsky Prize.
Tucholskypriset 2025 tilldelas fängslade författaren Phạm Đoan Trang — Svenska PEN
Den fängslade vietnamesiska författaren Phạm Đoan Trang 2025 års Tucholskypris. Motiveringen lyder: Författaren och publicisten Phạm Đoan Trang tilldelas Tucholskypriset 2025 för sitt hängivna skrivan...
www.svenskapen.se
October 2, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Den fängslade vietnamesiska författaren Phạm Đoan Trang tilldelas 2025 års Tucholskypris av Svenska PEN.
Imprisoned author Phạm Đoan Trang is awarded the 2025 Tucholsky Prize.
Imprisoned author Phạm Đoan Trang is awarded the 2025 Tucholsky Prize.
Reposted by Ross Holder
Afghanistan: Taliban imposes nationwide communications blackout, millions now cut off from outside world — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide bit.ly/4pGBJ1Y @h0ro.bsky.social @englishpen.bsky.social @irishpen.bsky.social @sanmiguelpen.bsky.social
Afghanistan: Taliban imposes nationwide communications blackout, cutting off millions from the outside world — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘ The ongoing internet shutdown is a grave escalation of the Taliban’s longstanding efforts to silence any form of expression it disagrees with. By isolating Afghanistan from the outside world and den...
www.pen-international.org
October 1, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Afghanistan: Taliban imposes nationwide communications blackout, millions now cut off from outside world — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide bit.ly/4pGBJ1Y @h0ro.bsky.social @englishpen.bsky.social @irishpen.bsky.social @sanmiguelpen.bsky.social
Reposted by Ross Holder
#Afghanistan: The Taliban’s nationwide internet blackout is an alarming escalation in its assault on free expression.
PEN International calls for the immediate reversal of the shutdown.
Read our full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/afghani...
PEN International calls for the immediate reversal of the shutdown.
Read our full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/afghani...
Afghanistan: Taliban imposes nationwide communications blackout, cutting off millions from the outside world — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘ The ongoing internet shutdown is a grave escalation of the Taliban’s longstanding efforts to silence any form of expression it disagrees with. By isolating Afghanistan from the outside world and den...
www.pen-international.org
September 30, 2025 at 1:49 PM
#Afghanistan: The Taliban’s nationwide internet blackout is an alarming escalation in its assault on free expression.
PEN International calls for the immediate reversal of the shutdown.
Read our full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/afghani...
PEN International calls for the immediate reversal of the shutdown.
Read our full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/afghani...
Reposted by Ross Holder
Reposted by Ross Holder
At our 91st Congress in Kraków, Centres adopted a landmark Resolution condemning the ongoing escalating attacks on freedom of expression in the United States — from book bans to threats against press freedom.
Read the full resolution ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/pen-int...
Read the full resolution ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/pen-int...
PEN International’s resolutions to defend free expression, gender diversity, human rights, and climate justice — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
“At this 91st Congress we affirmed that freedom of expression cannot be atomized —whether in defending peace against authoritarianism, protecting our planet, standing with trans and gender-diverse peo...
www.pen-international.org
September 19, 2025 at 11:11 AM
At our 91st Congress in Kraków, Centres adopted a landmark Resolution condemning the ongoing escalating attacks on freedom of expression in the United States — from book bans to threats against press freedom.
Read the full resolution ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/pen-int...
Read the full resolution ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/pen-int...
Reposted by Ross Holder
At PEN’s 91st Congress in Kraków, we launched the Manifesto on the Defence of Nature. Signed by writers worldwide, it calls on us all to be witnesses, protectors & visionaries in the face of the climate crisis.
Read the Manifesto ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/pen-int...
Read the Manifesto ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/pen-int...
PEN International launches its Manifesto on the Defence of Nature — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
“The Manifesto on the Defence of Nature is not only about the environment; it is about the survival of language, culture, and imagination. Writers know that the stories of humanity cannot exist withou...
www.pen-international.org
September 18, 2025 at 10:28 AM
At PEN’s 91st Congress in Kraków, we launched the Manifesto on the Defence of Nature. Signed by writers worldwide, it calls on us all to be witnesses, protectors & visionaries in the face of the climate crisis.
Read the Manifesto ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/pen-int...
Read the Manifesto ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/pen-int...
Reposted by Ross Holder
#China: Today, Sebastien Lai addressed the UN Human Rights Council, calling for the immediate release of his father, #HongKong writer and publisher Jimmy Lai, who he fears may die in prison.
See his statement here⬇️ #FreeJimmyLai
www.pen-international.org/news/china-h...
See his statement here⬇️ #FreeJimmyLai
www.pen-international.org/news/china-h...
China-Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai’s son calls for his father’s release at United Nations Human Rights Council — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
17 September 2025 : Today at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Sebastien Lai addressed the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) on behalf of PEN International, calling on the Hong Kon...
www.pen-international.org
September 17, 2025 at 2:31 PM
#China: Today, Sebastien Lai addressed the UN Human Rights Council, calling for the immediate release of his father, #HongKong writer and publisher Jimmy Lai, who he fears may die in prison.
See his statement here⬇️ #FreeJimmyLai
www.pen-international.org/news/china-h...
See his statement here⬇️ #FreeJimmyLai
www.pen-international.org/news/china-h...
Reposted by Ross Holder
LOL, China's state television network, China Central Television (CCTV — nice), has forced Reuters to take down its video of Xi and Putin talking about living to 150, or maybe forever, on biotech breakthroughs. Beijing is revoking legal permission to use the footage. www.reuters.com/business/med...
Reuters withdraws Xi, Putin longevity video after China state TV pulls legal permission to use it
Reuters News on Friday withdrew a four-minute video containing an exchange between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing the possibility that humans can live to 150 years old, after China state TV demanded its removal and withdrew the legal permission to use it.
www.reuters.com
September 6, 2025 at 2:51 PM
LOL, China's state television network, China Central Television (CCTV — nice), has forced Reuters to take down its video of Xi and Putin talking about living to 150, or maybe forever, on biotech breakthroughs. Beijing is revoking legal permission to use the footage. www.reuters.com/business/med...
Reposted by Ross Holder
On our final day at Congress, we came together for powerful conversations on the freedom to publish, cultural erasure, and centering Indigenous literature and culture in global conversations. Thank you to all who shared their voices.
Stay tuned for photos and videos in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for photos and videos in the coming weeks.
September 5, 2025 at 2:06 PM
On our final day at Congress, we came together for powerful conversations on the freedom to publish, cultural erasure, and centering Indigenous literature and culture in global conversations. Thank you to all who shared their voices.
Stay tuned for photos and videos in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for photos and videos in the coming weeks.
Reposted by Ross Holder
PEN International is delighted to announce the appointment of literary giant and Nobel Prize-winning Polish writer and activist Olga Tokarczuk as Vice President of PEN International.
Read more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/nobel-l...
Read more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/nobel-l...
Nobel Laureate Olga Tokarczuk joins PEN International leadership as Vice President — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
“We are honoured to welcome Olga Tokarczuk as Vice President of PEN International. Through her powerful voice and works that have captivated readers across the globe, she has shown how storytelling ca...
www.pen-international.org
September 3, 2025 at 3:27 PM
PEN International is delighted to announce the appointment of literary giant and Nobel Prize-winning Polish writer and activist Olga Tokarczuk as Vice President of PEN International.
Read more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/nobel-l...
Read more ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/nobel-l...
Reposted by Ross Holder
LIVE: Memory, Migration and Myth in Contemporary Fiction
Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk joins the PEN International President to reflect on the power of writing to courageously confront authority and wield the pen as a sword.
Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk joins the PEN International President to reflect on the power of writing to courageously confront authority and wield the pen as a sword.
September 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
LIVE: Memory, Migration and Myth in Contemporary Fiction
Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk joins the PEN International President to reflect on the power of writing to courageously confront authority and wield the pen as a sword.
Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk joins the PEN International President to reflect on the power of writing to courageously confront authority and wield the pen as a sword.