PEN Melbourne
@penmelbourne.bsky.social
PEN Melbourne is an affiliate of PEN International, bringing writers together to share experiences and ideas about how literature transforms, influences and fosters cross-cultural exchange. Join us as we advocate for the writer's freedom of speech.
SIGN OUR PETITION: Uyghur writer #YalqunRozi has spent 9 years behind bars in China for
expressing his cultural identity. Sentenced to 15 years, his only “crime” was helping preserve the
Uyghur language. You can set him free. #DayoftheImprisonedWriter
expressing his cultural identity. Sentenced to 15 years, his only “crime” was helping preserve the
Uyghur language. You can set him free. #DayoftheImprisonedWriter
November 25, 2025 at 12:11 AM
SIGN OUR PETITION: Uyghur writer #YalqunRozi has spent 9 years behind bars in China for
expressing his cultural identity. Sentenced to 15 years, his only “crime” was helping preserve the
Uyghur language. You can set him free. #DayoftheImprisonedWriter
expressing his cultural identity. Sentenced to 15 years, his only “crime” was helping preserve the
Uyghur language. You can set him free. #DayoftheImprisonedWriter
TAKE ACTION: Venezuelan journalist #RoryBranker has been arbitrarily detained— silenced for
seeking truth. His voice must be heard again.
This #DayoftheImprisonedWriter, join us in calling for
his immediate release.
Sign our petition: www.pen-international.org/rory-branker...
seeking truth. His voice must be heard again.
This #DayoftheImprisonedWriter, join us in calling for
his immediate release.
Sign our petition: www.pen-international.org/rory-branker...
November 21, 2025 at 8:49 PM
TAKE ACTION: Venezuelan journalist #RoryBranker has been arbitrarily detained— silenced for
seeking truth. His voice must be heard again.
This #DayoftheImprisonedWriter, join us in calling for
his immediate release.
Sign our petition: www.pen-international.org/rory-branker...
seeking truth. His voice must be heard again.
This #DayoftheImprisonedWriter, join us in calling for
his immediate release.
Sign our petition: www.pen-international.org/rory-branker...
Writers around the world are raising their voices for Day of the Imprisoned Writer.
Together, we defend the right to write freely through amplifying the voices of those silenced.
#DayoftheImprisonedWriter #RoryBranker
#YalqunRozi #MohamedTadjadit #MziaAmaglobeli
Together, we defend the right to write freely through amplifying the voices of those silenced.
#DayoftheImprisonedWriter #RoryBranker
#YalqunRozi #MohamedTadjadit #MziaAmaglobeli
November 21, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Writers around the world are raising their voices for Day of the Imprisoned Writer.
Together, we defend the right to write freely through amplifying the voices of those silenced.
#DayoftheImprisonedWriter #RoryBranker
#YalqunRozi #MohamedTadjadit #MziaAmaglobeli
Together, we defend the right to write freely through amplifying the voices of those silenced.
#DayoftheImprisonedWriter #RoryBranker
#YalqunRozi #MohamedTadjadit #MziaAmaglobeli
Reposted by PEN Melbourne
"Ekinci is guilty of nothing but daring to be a writer in today’s #Türkiye.” We welcome the dismissal of the case against @yavuzekinci.bsky.social and urge the authorities to uphold the freedom to create for all. www.pen-international.org/news/trkiye-....
Türkiye: Writer Yavuz Ekinci on trial again as spurious terror-propaganda case resumes — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘That Kurdish writer Yavuz Ekinci finds himself in court again for his writings after the case against him was dismissed exposes the authorities of Türkiye’s pernicious pursuit of those who dare explo...
www.pen-international.org
November 10, 2025 at 1:35 PM
"Ekinci is guilty of nothing but daring to be a writer in today’s #Türkiye.” We welcome the dismissal of the case against @yavuzekinci.bsky.social and urge the authorities to uphold the freedom to create for all. www.pen-international.org/news/trkiye-....
Reposted by PEN Melbourne
REPORT: PEN International launches Critical Junctures: Safeguarding the Freedom to Create in Poland, revealing how artistic freedoms have been curtailed, and celebrating the courage of those defending independent voices.
Read more: www.pen-international.org/news/critica...
#CriticalJunctures
Read more: www.pen-international.org/news/critica...
#CriticalJunctures
Critical Junctures: PEN International’s report exposes threats to artistic expression in Poland — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
“Critical Junctures is a vital record of the pressures facing Poland’s writers, journalists, and cultural actors over the past decade while identifying catalysts for change. It shows not only how free...
www.pen-international.org
October 28, 2025 at 10:05 AM
REPORT: PEN International launches Critical Junctures: Safeguarding the Freedom to Create in Poland, revealing how artistic freedoms have been curtailed, and celebrating the courage of those defending independent voices.
Read more: www.pen-international.org/news/critica...
#CriticalJunctures
Read more: www.pen-international.org/news/critica...
#CriticalJunctures
Reposted by PEN Melbourne
A verdict is expected on 6 October in the preposterous case against Yavuz Ekinci. He faces years in prison on terror propaganda grounds for his book Rüyası Bölünenler (Dream Divided). We urge #Türkiye to drop all charges and to uphold the freedom to create.
www.pen-international.org/news/trkiye-...
www.pen-international.org/news/trkiye-...
Türkiye: Writer Yavuz Ekinci on trial again as spurious terror-propaganda case resumes — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘That Kurdish writer Yavuz Ekinci finds himself in court again for his writings after the case against him was dismissed exposes the authorities of Türkiye’s pernicious pursuit of those who dare explo...
www.pen-international.org
October 3, 2025 at 9:28 AM
A verdict is expected on 6 October in the preposterous case against Yavuz Ekinci. He faces years in prison on terror propaganda grounds for his book Rüyası Bölünenler (Dream Divided). We urge #Türkiye to drop all charges and to uphold the freedom to create.
www.pen-international.org/news/trkiye-...
www.pen-international.org/news/trkiye-...
Join us at The Wheeler Centre for this panel featuring Mary Kostakidis, Micaela Sahhar and Sarah Schwartz where they’ll highlight the imperative need to protect writers and journalists’ freedom of speech, dissent and open political discourse.
🔗 Tickets are available now via the link below.
🔗 Tickets are available now via the link below.
September 28, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Join us at The Wheeler Centre for this panel featuring Mary Kostakidis, Micaela Sahhar and Sarah Schwartz where they’ll highlight the imperative need to protect writers and journalists’ freedom of speech, dissent and open political discourse.
🔗 Tickets are available now via the link below.
🔗 Tickets are available now via the link below.
Alaa Abd El Fattah has not been defeated!
The British-Egyptian writer and activist has been reunited with family after he was pardoned by Egyptian President, Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi.
PEN Melbourne honour the families resistance and tenacity in achieving Alaa's release.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The British-Egyptian writer and activist has been reunited with family after he was pardoned by Egyptian President, Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi.
PEN Melbourne honour the families resistance and tenacity in achieving Alaa's release.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Alaa Abdel Fattah: British-Egyptian activist released from prison
Alaa Abdel Fattah, who was imprisoned in Egypt for six years, is reunited with his family in Cairo after being pardoned.
www.bbc.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Alaa Abd El Fattah has not been defeated!
The British-Egyptian writer and activist has been reunited with family after he was pardoned by Egyptian President, Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi.
PEN Melbourne honour the families resistance and tenacity in achieving Alaa's release.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The British-Egyptian writer and activist has been reunited with family after he was pardoned by Egyptian President, Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi.
PEN Melbourne honour the families resistance and tenacity in achieving Alaa's release.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
We stand with @peninternational and their resolutions to defend free expression, gender diversity, human rights, and climate justice. Full statement available via the link in their bio 🔗
September 12, 2025 at 12:34 PM
We stand with @peninternational and their resolutions to defend free expression, gender diversity, human rights, and climate justice. Full statement available via the link in their bio 🔗
🚨 An Open Letter in Defence of Free Expression and the Right to Share Information 🚨
Join us as we stand with Mary Kostakidis to fight these allegations which our democracy depends on for free and open discussions.
🔗 Follow the link below to show your support 🔗
Join us as we stand with Mary Kostakidis to fight these allegations which our democracy depends on for free and open discussions.
🔗 Follow the link below to show your support 🔗
August 21, 2025 at 9:47 AM
🚨 An Open Letter in Defence of Free Expression and the Right to Share Information 🚨
Join us as we stand with Mary Kostakidis to fight these allegations which our democracy depends on for free and open discussions.
🔗 Follow the link below to show your support 🔗
Join us as we stand with Mary Kostakidis to fight these allegations which our democracy depends on for free and open discussions.
🔗 Follow the link below to show your support 🔗
Writing Against Silencing: PEN Melbourne Workshop
Explore the tensions between creative expression and censorship in the Asia-Pacific region during this online event with author Sreedhevi Iyer on 17/08/25 between 4-7pm.
Explore the tensions between creative expression and censorship in the Asia-Pacific region during this online event with author Sreedhevi Iyer on 17/08/25 between 4-7pm.
August 18, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Writing Against Silencing: PEN Melbourne Workshop
Explore the tensions between creative expression and censorship in the Asia-Pacific region during this online event with author Sreedhevi Iyer on 17/08/25 between 4-7pm.
Explore the tensions between creative expression and censorship in the Asia-Pacific region during this online event with author Sreedhevi Iyer on 17/08/25 between 4-7pm.
Reposted by PEN Melbourne
#Belarus: Five years after the fraudulent 2020 elections, the crackdown on writers and cultural figures continues with impunity. PEN Belarus, PEN International & PEN America call for accountability and unwavering support for Belarusian culture.
Belarus: Five years of relentless crackdown on cultural rights — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘Belarusian culture, language and identity have come under sustained onslaught over the past five years. It is high time the international community takes a stance in support of the Belarusian…
www.pen-international.org
August 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#Belarus: Five years after the fraudulent 2020 elections, the crackdown on writers and cultural figures continues with impunity. PEN Belarus, PEN International & PEN America call for accountability and unwavering support for Belarusian culture.
🤍 Free Alaa 🤍
Members of PEN Melbourne gathered outside the street level of the British Consulate in Melbourne on Monday to hold our second Vigil For Alaa.
Join us on 18th of August, between 3pm and 5pm in the same place.
We will be there on the third Monday of every month.
#freealaa
Members of PEN Melbourne gathered outside the street level of the British Consulate in Melbourne on Monday to hold our second Vigil For Alaa.
Join us on 18th of August, between 3pm and 5pm in the same place.
We will be there on the third Monday of every month.
#freealaa
July 22, 2025 at 4:49 AM
🤍 Free Alaa 🤍
Members of PEN Melbourne gathered outside the street level of the British Consulate in Melbourne on Monday to hold our second Vigil For Alaa.
Join us on 18th of August, between 3pm and 5pm in the same place.
We will be there on the third Monday of every month.
#freealaa
Members of PEN Melbourne gathered outside the street level of the British Consulate in Melbourne on Monday to hold our second Vigil For Alaa.
Join us on 18th of August, between 3pm and 5pm in the same place.
We will be there on the third Monday of every month.
#freealaa
🚨 The Free Narges Coalition Steering Committee has published a public statement with information following the reports which have emerged after serious threats were made to the safety and life of Narges Mohammadi 🚨
Follow the link below to learn more.
#NargesMohammadi
Follow the link below to learn more.
#NargesMohammadi
July 13, 2025 at 5:11 AM
🚨 The Free Narges Coalition Steering Committee has published a public statement with information following the reports which have emerged after serious threats were made to the safety and life of Narges Mohammadi 🚨
Follow the link below to learn more.
#NargesMohammadi
Follow the link below to learn more.
#NargesMohammadi
🖤❤️💛 Join us in partnership with The Wheeler Centre on Thursday 17th July, 630pm, for this live conversation at The Wheeler Centre 💛❤️🖤
Hosted by Bridget Brennan with Ngarra Murray, this event will explore Treaty in Victoria, while asking where we stand following the outcome of The Voice Referendum.
Hosted by Bridget Brennan with Ngarra Murray, this event will explore Treaty in Victoria, while asking where we stand following the outcome of The Voice Referendum.
July 9, 2025 at 6:35 AM
🖤❤️💛 Join us in partnership with The Wheeler Centre on Thursday 17th July, 630pm, for this live conversation at The Wheeler Centre 💛❤️🖤
Hosted by Bridget Brennan with Ngarra Murray, this event will explore Treaty in Victoria, while asking where we stand following the outcome of The Voice Referendum.
Hosted by Bridget Brennan with Ngarra Murray, this event will explore Treaty in Victoria, while asking where we stand following the outcome of The Voice Referendum.
#Türkiye: We join PEN International and others in expressing deep concern over the arrest warrant issued against journalist, poet, and Honorary PEN member, Nedim Türfent.
We call for the warrant to be retracted without delay.
🔗 Follow the link in the comments to read the joint statement
We call for the warrant to be retracted without delay.
🔗 Follow the link in the comments to read the joint statement
July 7, 2025 at 2:26 AM
#Türkiye: We join PEN International and others in expressing deep concern over the arrest warrant issued against journalist, poet, and Honorary PEN member, Nedim Türfent.
We call for the warrant to be retracted without delay.
🔗 Follow the link in the comments to read the joint statement
We call for the warrant to be retracted without delay.
🔗 Follow the link in the comments to read the joint statement
Reporters Without Borders and 33 global organisations (including several PEN Centres, and Amnesty International) have written to the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer asking him to meet with the son of British publisher Jimmy Lai who has been arbitrarily jailed in Hong Kong since December 2020.
July 2, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Reporters Without Borders and 33 global organisations (including several PEN Centres, and Amnesty International) have written to the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer asking him to meet with the son of British publisher Jimmy Lai who has been arbitrarily jailed in Hong Kong since December 2020.
Reposted by PEN Melbourne
#Türkiye: PEN International is deeply concerned by reports that an arrest warrant has been issued against journalist, poet, and Honorary PEN member Nedim Türfent on terror-propaganda grounds.
Read more ⬇️
www.diken.com.tr/gazeteci-ned...
Read more ⬇️
www.diken.com.tr/gazeteci-ned...
Gazeteci Nedim Türfent hakkında yakalama kararı - Diken
27/06/2025 - Gazeteci Nedim Türfent hakkında 'terör örgütü propagandası yapma' iddiasıyla yakalama kararı çıkarıldı.
www.diken.com.tr
June 27, 2025 at 1:11 PM
#Türkiye: PEN International is deeply concerned by reports that an arrest warrant has been issued against journalist, poet, and Honorary PEN member Nedim Türfent on terror-propaganda grounds.
Read more ⬇️
www.diken.com.tr/gazeteci-ned...
Read more ⬇️
www.diken.com.tr/gazeteci-ned...
📢 We stand with PEN International and support their latest joint statement with the Montenegrin PEN Centre, where both centres have urged the Montenegro authorities to uphold academic freedom 📢
#peninternational #penmontenegro #academicfreedom
#peninternational #penmontenegro #academicfreedom
June 30, 2025 at 10:50 PM
📢 We stand with PEN International and support their latest joint statement with the Montenegrin PEN Centre, where both centres have urged the Montenegro authorities to uphold academic freedom 📢
#peninternational #penmontenegro #academicfreedom
#peninternational #penmontenegro #academicfreedom
Monday's June 16th Melbourne Action was aimed at building awareness of Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s case, who holds joint British and Egyptian citizenship. PEN Melbourne members took up a position outside the British consulate's office building to raise awareness of his case.
#freealaa
#freealaa
June 17, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Monday's June 16th Melbourne Action was aimed at building awareness of Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s case, who holds joint British and Egyptian citizenship. PEN Melbourne members took up a position outside the British consulate's office building to raise awareness of his case.
#freealaa
#freealaa
🕊️ FREE ALAA 🕊️
PEN Melbourne invites you to join a Vigil For Alaa
📍 Monday June 16, 3.30 - 5.30pm
@ The British Consulate, 90 Collins Street Melbourne/ Naarm
PEN Melbourne invites you to join a Vigil For Alaa
📍 Monday June 16, 3.30 - 5.30pm
@ The British Consulate, 90 Collins Street Melbourne/ Naarm
June 9, 2025 at 11:33 AM
🕊️ FREE ALAA 🕊️
PEN Melbourne invites you to join a Vigil For Alaa
📍 Monday June 16, 3.30 - 5.30pm
@ The British Consulate, 90 Collins Street Melbourne/ Naarm
PEN Melbourne invites you to join a Vigil For Alaa
📍 Monday June 16, 3.30 - 5.30pm
@ The British Consulate, 90 Collins Street Melbourne/ Naarm
PEN Melbourne condemns the killing and silencing of writers, poets, journalists, for simply going about their work peacefully and with courage reporting the war. At least 176 journalists, 120 academics, and 23 writers have been killed in the war, many directly targeted along with their families.
June 3, 2025 at 5:16 AM
PEN Melbourne condemns the killing and silencing of writers, poets, journalists, for simply going about their work peacefully and with courage reporting the war. At least 176 journalists, 120 academics, and 23 writers have been killed in the war, many directly targeted along with their families.
Türkiye: Authorities should immediately and unconditionally release journalist and author Furkan Karabay and stop their judicial harassment.
Journalists should be allowed to do their work without risk of persecution.
#journalismisnotacrime
Journalists should be allowed to do their work without risk of persecution.
#journalismisnotacrime
June 2, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Türkiye: Authorities should immediately and unconditionally release journalist and author Furkan Karabay and stop their judicial harassment.
Journalists should be allowed to do their work without risk of persecution.
#journalismisnotacrime
Journalists should be allowed to do their work without risk of persecution.
#journalismisnotacrime
Türkiye: journalists Hamza Kaan and Mehmet Üçar face up to 15 years in prison on fabricated terror grounds for their writings.
Join us in urging their immediate release.
Take action now: www.pen-international.org/news/turkiye...
Join us in urging their immediate release.
Take action now: www.pen-international.org/news/turkiye...
Türkiye: Release and drop charges against journalists Hamza Kaan and Mehmet Üçar — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
RAPID ACTION NETWORK - RAN 01/2025 21 May 2025 : Journalists Hamza Kaan and Mehmet Üçar have been detained since 26 November 2024 on fabricated terror-related grounds for their writings. They wil...
www.pen-international.org
May 26, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Türkiye: journalists Hamza Kaan and Mehmet Üçar face up to 15 years in prison on fabricated terror grounds for their writings.
Join us in urging their immediate release.
Take action now: www.pen-international.org/news/turkiye...
Join us in urging their immediate release.
Take action now: www.pen-international.org/news/turkiye...
Reposted by PEN Melbourne
#Türkiye: Hamza Kaan and Mehmet Üçar face up to 15 years in prison on fabricated terror grounds for their writings.
Join us in urging their immediate release.
Take action now: www.pen-international.org/news/turkiye...
Join us in urging their immediate release.
Take action now: www.pen-international.org/news/turkiye...
Türkiye: Release and drop charges against journalists Hamza Kaan and Mehmet Üçar — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
RAPID ACTION NETWORK - RAN 01/2025 21 May 2025 : Journalists Hamza Kaan and Mehmet Üçar have been detained since 26 November 2024 on fabricated terror-related grounds for their writings. They wil...
www.pen-international.org
May 21, 2025 at 9:45 AM
#Türkiye: Hamza Kaan and Mehmet Üçar face up to 15 years in prison on fabricated terror grounds for their writings.
Join us in urging their immediate release.
Take action now: www.pen-international.org/news/turkiye...
Join us in urging their immediate release.
Take action now: www.pen-international.org/news/turkiye...