Killing and torture on the increase
Figures for the last ten years show the killing of writers, particularly of journalists, is increasing. So is torture. Its use as an instrument of state has grown in the second half of this century. Torture is currently practiced by one government in three, including half the member states of the United Nations.
Action from International PEN
Some 100 writers are adopted by PEN centres throughout the world, each campaigning on their behalf. However, a great many persecuted writers remain unrepresented. Tomas Vegesack, former chair of International PEN WIPC says: “My wish is for every imprisoned writer to have at least one colleague in the world who regards his or her destiny to be as important as their own”.
Anti-Terrorism & Freedom of Expression
International PEN’s recent report on governments post 9/11 shows anti-terrorist legislation has profoundly affected free speech, with a significant increase in writers detained, imprisoned and tortured. Hostility towards free expression has developed in many countries where new laws have been passed in the name of fighting ‘terrorism’. Containing a 35-country overview of nations (including UK & USA) where new anti-terrorist measures have impacted on freedom of expression, the report discusses the emerging issues, including increasing persecution of asylum seekers.
'The US Patriot Act permits authorities to scrutinise the lives of suspects; to monitor post, telephone and internet communications, and to search homes without court authorisation…also access personal information on citizens without a warrant… the FBI asked libraries to supply lists of books and websites consulted by subscribers to trace the "intellectual profile" of each reader.'
The PEN Report on Anti-Terrorist Legislation is a resource available for journalists, writers & human rights groups.
The Scottish Contribution
The Scottish PEN Centre works in support of persecuted writers selected from the WiPC List. In the past 2 years alone, we’ve helped free several of our adopted cases, including – Ngawang Oeser in Tibet, imprisoned 1989 for writing ‘reactionary documents’; Hasan Yousefi Eshkevari an Iranian journalist released after 3 years of a 7-year sentence; Manuel Vázquez Portal, an editor arrested in a massive crackdown in Cuba in 2003; and Leyla Zana released by Turkish courts on appeal against her 1994 sentence.
Even when our work has not led to the liberation of imprisoned writers, it can help improve their situation. We provide individual support, sending greetings, cards & letters, and (where practical) clothes, medicine & books, both for persecuted writers and their families. Support is also there after release.