Scottish PEN
@scottishpen.bsky.social
Scottish centre of @pen_int. Committed to promoting literature and defending freedom of expression. RTs ≠ endorsement. Join: http://bit.ly/201zvHC
Reposted by Scottish PEN
Refuge isn’t weakness. It’s an investment. And the returns are human, immeasurable, and generational.
Britain once understood that. It can again.
8/8
Britain once understood that. It can again.
8/8
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Refuge isn’t weakness. It’s an investment. And the returns are human, immeasurable, and generational.
Britain once understood that. It can again.
8/8
Britain once understood that. It can again.
8/8
Reposted by Scottish PEN
If these new rules had been in place when I arrived, the country would’ve lost everything I became.
And so will countless children arriving now, if we let it happen.
7/8
And so will countless children arriving now, if we let it happen.
7/8
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
If these new rules had been in place when I arrived, the country would’ve lost everything I became.
And so will countless children arriving now, if we let it happen.
7/8
And so will countless children arriving now, if we let it happen.
7/8
Reposted by Scottish PEN
I am proof... living, breathing proof... of what happens when a country offers refuge with a future attached.
Britain gave me a chance, and I have spent my life giving back.
6/8
Britain gave me a chance, and I have spent my life giving back.
6/8
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I am proof... living, breathing proof... of what happens when a country offers refuge with a future attached.
Britain gave me a chance, and I have spent my life giving back.
6/8
Britain gave me a chance, and I have spent my life giving back.
6/8
Reposted by Scottish PEN
They don’t see the lives that bloom when safety is offered without an expiry date.
They don’t see what Britain gains when it chooses compassion over suspicion.
5/8
They don’t see what Britain gains when it chooses compassion over suspicion.
5/8
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
They don’t see the lives that bloom when safety is offered without an expiry date.
They don’t see what Britain gains when it chooses compassion over suspicion.
5/8
They don’t see what Britain gains when it chooses compassion over suspicion.
5/8
Reposted by Scottish PEN
Policies like this pretend they’re about “control.” What they actually do is choke off the very stories that make this country stronger. They don’t see the scared kid who might grow into a doctor, a teacher, a neighbour, a parent.
4/8
4/8
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Policies like this pretend they’re about “control.” What they actually do is choke off the very stories that make this country stronger. They don’t see the scared kid who might grow into a doctor, a teacher, a neighbour, a parent.
4/8
4/8
Reposted by Scottish PEN
But if today’s rules had existed back then, temporary status, conditional belonging, reviews hanging over your head like storm clouds, none of this would’ve happened.
You can’t build a future on a fault line.
3/8
You can’t build a future on a fault line.
3/8
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
But if today’s rules had existed back then, temporary status, conditional belonging, reviews hanging over your head like storm clouds, none of this would’ve happened.
You can’t build a future on a fault line.
3/8
You can’t build a future on a fault line.
3/8
Reposted by Scottish PEN
And because of that chance, I’m now a British citizen, an emergency medicine consultant, a husband, and a father of four.
My whole life, my real life, unfolded here. This is home, heart and bone.
2/8
My whole life, my real life, unfolded here. This is home, heart and bone.
2/8
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
And because of that chance, I’m now a British citizen, an emergency medicine consultant, a husband, and a father of four.
My whole life, my real life, unfolded here. This is home, heart and bone.
2/8
My whole life, my real life, unfolded here. This is home, heart and bone.
2/8
Reposted by Scottish PEN
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
It’s hard to comprehend the reactionary lunacy that’s overtaken this Labour Government. Every day, a new low.
This thread by @emergencybod.medsky.social rebuts it all — succinctly and with perfect eloquence.
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social
This thread by @emergencybod.medsky.social rebuts it all — succinctly and with perfect eloquence.
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social
Refuge isn’t weakness. It’s an investment. And the returns are human, immeasurable, and generational.
Britain once understood that. It can again.
8/8
Britain once understood that. It can again.
8/8
November 15, 2025 at 12:46 PM
It’s hard to comprehend the reactionary lunacy that’s overtaken this Labour Government. Every day, a new low.
This thread by @emergencybod.medsky.social rebuts it all — succinctly and with perfect eloquence.
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social
This thread by @emergencybod.medsky.social rebuts it all — succinctly and with perfect eloquence.
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social
Reposted by Scottish PEN
Freed Palestinian child prisoners recount torture in Israeli custody - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/prison-inside-me-freed-palestinian-child-prisoners-recount-torture-israeli-custody
‘The prison is inside me’: Freed Palestinian child prisoners recount torture in Israeli custody
Three boys who were seized near aid distribution points say they were electrocuted, beaten and psychologically tortured in detention
www.middleeasteye.net
November 15, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Freed Palestinian child prisoners recount torture in Israeli custody - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/prison-inside-me-freed-palestinian-child-prisoners-recount-torture-israeli-custody
Come and be wowed by the Naomi Mitchison lecture Dec 13th 6.30pm, at Yudowitz Seminar Room, Wolfson Building, University of Glasgow with Professor Alison Phipps! In person and online, free tickets at naomimitchison2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Naomi Mitchison Lecture: The Menace of Hope at the Back of Life
Weaving worlds of love, rage and foolish marvels - how might we live well through the apocalypse?
NaomiMitchison2025.eventbrite.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Come and be wowed by the Naomi Mitchison lecture Dec 13th 6.30pm, at Yudowitz Seminar Room, Wolfson Building, University of Glasgow with Professor Alison Phipps! In person and online, free tickets at naomimitchison2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Reposted by Scottish PEN
This @natlibscot.bsky.social event at the Kelvin Hall on 12 Nov should be a cracker.
www.nls.uk/whats-on/lib...
www.nls.uk/whats-on/lib...
Libraries that shaped me | National Library of Scotland
An in-conversation event for students with authors Louise Welsh and Damian Barr about how libraries shaped their lives.
www.nls.uk
November 6, 2025 at 11:14 AM
This @natlibscot.bsky.social event at the Kelvin Hall on 12 Nov should be a cracker.
www.nls.uk/whats-on/lib...
www.nls.uk/whats-on/lib...
Our Vice President @lizzie4.bsky.social is one of over 20 pro-Palestine activists in Scotland arrested under the Terrorism Act since the proscription of Palestine Action.
Scottish PEN stands in solidarity with Lizzie, her comrades, & condemns the proscription.
www.theferret.scot/palestine-pr...
Scottish PEN stands in solidarity with Lizzie, her comrades, & condemns the proscription.
www.theferret.scot/palestine-pr...
Gaza protestors across Scotland are waiting to know if they'll be prosecuted as terrorists – a photo essay
Photographer Rayna Carruthers has been documenting pro-Palestine protests in Scotland for two years, particularly in recent months, following the proscription of Palestine Action by the UK Government.
www.theferret.scot
November 13, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Our Vice President @lizzie4.bsky.social is one of over 20 pro-Palestine activists in Scotland arrested under the Terrorism Act since the proscription of Palestine Action.
Scottish PEN stands in solidarity with Lizzie, her comrades, & condemns the proscription.
www.theferret.scot/palestine-pr...
Scottish PEN stands in solidarity with Lizzie, her comrades, & condemns the proscription.
www.theferret.scot/palestine-pr...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
“The most unfortunate of all cards, as far as one tradition goes”
The ♦️9 is known as “the Curse of Scotland” – supposedly because “Butcher” Cumberland scribbled the order “No quarter” on the playing card the night before Culloden. But…
#FolkloreThursday #C18
1/3
blog.oup.com/2017/11/nine...
The ♦️9 is known as “the Curse of Scotland” – supposedly because “Butcher” Cumberland scribbled the order “No quarter” on the playing card the night before Culloden. But…
#FolkloreThursday #C18
1/3
blog.oup.com/2017/11/nine...
Nine of diamonds, or the curse of Scotland: an etymological drama in two acts: Act 1
The origin of this mysterious phrase, "nine of diamonds," has been discussed for over two hundred years. Nor are surveys wanting. I cannot say anything on this subject the world does not know, and I h...
blog.oup.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM
“The most unfortunate of all cards, as far as one tradition goes”
The ♦️9 is known as “the Curse of Scotland” – supposedly because “Butcher” Cumberland scribbled the order “No quarter” on the playing card the night before Culloden. But…
#FolkloreThursday #C18
1/3
blog.oup.com/2017/11/nine...
The ♦️9 is known as “the Curse of Scotland” – supposedly because “Butcher” Cumberland scribbled the order “No quarter” on the playing card the night before Culloden. But…
#FolkloreThursday #C18
1/3
blog.oup.com/2017/11/nine...
Shame on the British Government for failing to ensure the release of British journalist #SamiHamdi, arrested by US ICE nearly 1 week ago.
As Hamdi's wife says "It’s reminiscent of South Africa during apartheid or the Soviet Union during the purges."
www.thenational.scot/news/2558833...
As Hamdi's wife says "It’s reminiscent of South Africa during apartheid or the Soviet Union during the purges."
www.thenational.scot/news/2558833...
Wife of British journalist detained by ICE blasts 'minimal' help from Foreign Office
THE wife of a British journalist detained by US immigration authorities has described the support offered by the UK Government as “minimal” as…
www.thenational.scot
November 1, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Shame on the British Government for failing to ensure the release of British journalist #SamiHamdi, arrested by US ICE nearly 1 week ago.
As Hamdi's wife says "It’s reminiscent of South Africa during apartheid or the Soviet Union during the purges."
www.thenational.scot/news/2558833...
As Hamdi's wife says "It’s reminiscent of South Africa during apartheid or the Soviet Union during the purges."
www.thenational.scot/news/2558833...
Another Palestinian journalist murdered by Israel, and during the so-called 'ceasefire'.
Since Oct '23, Israel has murdered more journalists than all those killed during all of the major wars in the 20th century.
Never let impunity silence the truth.
www.palestinechronicle.com/systematic-t...
Since Oct '23, Israel has murdered more journalists than all those killed during all of the major wars in the 20th century.
Never let impunity silence the truth.
www.palestinechronicle.com/systematic-t...
www.palestinechronicle.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Another Palestinian journalist murdered by Israel, and during the so-called 'ceasefire'.
Since Oct '23, Israel has murdered more journalists than all those killed during all of the major wars in the 20th century.
Never let impunity silence the truth.
www.palestinechronicle.com/systematic-t...
Since Oct '23, Israel has murdered more journalists than all those killed during all of the major wars in the 20th century.
Never let impunity silence the truth.
www.palestinechronicle.com/systematic-t...
British journalist #SamiHandi detained by US authorities for days without access to a judge.
The British state has a duty to act when one of its citizens has been interned for exercising #freedomofexpression
Why has the Foreign Office remained silent?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
The British state has a duty to act when one of its citizens has been interned for exercising #freedomofexpression
Why has the Foreign Office remained silent?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
UK journalist Sami Hamdi detained in US amid pro-Israel lobby pressure
Far-right activist and Donald Trump ally Laura Loomer celebrates Hamdi’s detention as US gov't says he's in ICE custody.
www.aljazeera.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:31 PM
British journalist #SamiHandi detained by US authorities for days without access to a judge.
The British state has a duty to act when one of its citizens has been interned for exercising #freedomofexpression
Why has the Foreign Office remained silent?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
The British state has a duty to act when one of its citizens has been interned for exercising #freedomofexpression
Why has the Foreign Office remained silent?
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
"The night Basim Khandakji’s novel won the 2024 “Arabic Booker Prize”, Israeli prison guards stormed his cell, assaulted him, bound his hands & feet, & threatened him."
Exiled in Egypt after 21 years in Israeli prisons, Khandakji keeps writing
#FreePalestine
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
Exiled in Egypt after 21 years in Israeli prisons, Khandakji keeps writing
#FreePalestine
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
Award-winning Palestinian author on Israeli prison, exile and homeland
Basim Khandakji describes conditions in Israeli prisons and his journey to writing despite the challenges.
www.aljazeera.com
October 26, 2025 at 8:24 PM
"The night Basim Khandakji’s novel won the 2024 “Arabic Booker Prize”, Israeli prison guards stormed his cell, assaulted him, bound his hands & feet, & threatened him."
Exiled in Egypt after 21 years in Israeli prisons, Khandakji keeps writing
#FreePalestine
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
Exiled in Egypt after 21 years in Israeli prisons, Khandakji keeps writing
#FreePalestine
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10...
#DaphneCaruanaGalizia was assassinated in Malta 8 years ago today.
Scottish PEN supports the call by 17 press freedom & journalists' organisations for #Malta to set up a national action plan on media freedom & journalist safety.
#JusticeForDaphne
@peninternational.bsky.social @rsf.org
Scottish PEN supports the call by 17 press freedom & journalists' organisations for #Malta to set up a national action plan on media freedom & journalist safety.
#JusticeForDaphne
@peninternational.bsky.social @rsf.org
October 16, 2025 at 10:38 AM
#DaphneCaruanaGalizia was assassinated in Malta 8 years ago today.
Scottish PEN supports the call by 17 press freedom & journalists' organisations for #Malta to set up a national action plan on media freedom & journalist safety.
#JusticeForDaphne
@peninternational.bsky.social @rsf.org
Scottish PEN supports the call by 17 press freedom & journalists' organisations for #Malta to set up a national action plan on media freedom & journalist safety.
#JusticeForDaphne
@peninternational.bsky.social @rsf.org
Reposted by Scottish PEN
We welcome the news that two PEN International cases, Jimmy Lai and Mzia Amaglobeli, are included amongst the recipients of the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero awards by the IPI in partnership with IMS
We reiterate our calls for their immediate and unconditional freedom.
ipi.media/2025-world-p...
We reiterate our calls for their immediate and unconditional freedom.
ipi.media/2025-world-p...
Seven distinguished journalists named recipients of the 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero award
Awards to be presented at IPI’s 75th anniversary World Congress in Vienna on October 24
ipi.media
October 16, 2025 at 9:13 AM
We welcome the news that two PEN International cases, Jimmy Lai and Mzia Amaglobeli, are included amongst the recipients of the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero awards by the IPI in partnership with IMS
We reiterate our calls for their immediate and unconditional freedom.
ipi.media/2025-world-p...
We reiterate our calls for their immediate and unconditional freedom.
ipi.media/2025-world-p...
“It is a maxim in Scots law that the law cannot be absurd. To claim that Palestine Action is a terrorist organisation is plainly absurd." @craigmurrayorg.bsky.social
Scottish PEN, @peninternational.bsky.social @englishpen.bsky.social & #WalesPENCymru oppose the proscription of Palestine Action (1)
Scottish PEN, @peninternational.bsky.social @englishpen.bsky.social & #WalesPENCymru oppose the proscription of Palestine Action (1)
Campaigners have launched a bid to overturn the ban on Palestine Action through the Scottish courts
Bid to overturn Palestine Action ban through Scottish courts launched
www.thenational.scot
October 10, 2025 at 2:53 PM
“It is a maxim in Scots law that the law cannot be absurd. To claim that Palestine Action is a terrorist organisation is plainly absurd." @craigmurrayorg.bsky.social
Scottish PEN, @peninternational.bsky.social @englishpen.bsky.social & #WalesPENCymru oppose the proscription of Palestine Action (1)
Scottish PEN, @peninternational.bsky.social @englishpen.bsky.social & #WalesPENCymru oppose the proscription of Palestine Action (1)
Reposted by Scottish PEN
#USA: PEN International joins PEN America in condemning the FCC’s threats to Jimmy Kimmel Live! as a dangerous escalation of government-instigated censorship.
An “Extraordinary Assault” on Free Speech: FCC Threats Mark a “Dark New Level of Capitulation” and Escalation of Government-Instigated Censorship Over Jimmy Kimmel, PEN America Warns
pen.org/press-releas... #FreeSpeech #FirstAmendment
pen.org/press-releas... #FreeSpeech #FirstAmendment
FCC Threats Mark a “Dark New Level of Capitulation” and Escalation of Government-Instigated Censorship Over Jimmy Kimmel, PEN America Warns
PEN America warned today of a significant escalation of threats to free speech after Disney-owned ABC indefinitely pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from the air.
pen.org
September 19, 2025 at 9:23 AM
#USA: PEN International joins PEN America in condemning the FCC’s threats to Jimmy Kimmel Live! as a dangerous escalation of government-instigated censorship.
Reposted by Scottish PEN
#Mozambique: PEN International welcomes the acquittal of writer & publisher Alex Barga, freed after 9 months of unlawful detention on fabricated charges.
We urge authorities to end the weaponisation of justice against civic freedoms.
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/mozambi...
We urge authorities to end the weaponisation of justice against civic freedoms.
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/mozambi...
Mozambique: Justice served as writer, editor and publisher Alex Barga is acquitted — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
“The dismissal of the fabricated case against Alex Barga and his colleagues is welcome news! The bold action by the Maputo City Judicial Court is a testament to the vital place and role of independent...
www.pen-international.org
September 19, 2025 at 10:11 AM
#Mozambique: PEN International welcomes the acquittal of writer & publisher Alex Barga, freed after 9 months of unlawful detention on fabricated charges.
We urge authorities to end the weaponisation of justice against civic freedoms.
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/mozambi...
We urge authorities to end the weaponisation of justice against civic freedoms.
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/mozambi...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
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 Scottish PEN
We join @pressfreedom.bsky.social in condemning Israel’s killing of 31 Yemeni journalists and media workers, the deadliest attack on the press in 16 years. Journalists are civilians and must be protected under international law. We call for accountability and end to impunity. @penmena.bsky.social
Israel’s targeted strikes on two newspaper offices in Yemen’s capital is the second deadliest single attack on the press ever recorded by CPJ, following the 2009 Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines. Read more: cpj.org?p=522184
Israel’s killing of 31 Yemeni journalists marks deadliest global attack in 16 years - Committee to Protect Journalists
Washington, D.C., September 19, 2025—Israel’s targeted strikes on two newspaper offices in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which killed 31 journalists and media support workers on September 10, signal that it...
cpj.org
September 22, 2025 at 10:24 AM
We join @pressfreedom.bsky.social in condemning Israel’s killing of 31 Yemeni journalists and media workers, the deadliest attack on the press in 16 years. Journalists are civilians and must be protected under international law. We call for accountability and end to impunity. @penmena.bsky.social