Hany Babu

Mahmoud Muna

Taciana Niadbaj 

Peter Greste

Voices freed: International Solidarity in a Time of Global Disorder

PEN International

<blockquote>Established in <a href="https://www.pen100archive.org/pen_stories/the-pen-international-case-list/" title="https://www.pen100archive.org/pen_stories/the-pen-international-case-list/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">1960</a>, PEN International's Case List is the world’s longest-running record of attacks on freedom of expression faced by writers around the globe.In addition to documenting freedom of expression issues and emblematic cases of writers who have been subjected to threats, harassment, long-term imprisonment, and even death, the Case List also serves as a powerful rallying cry for civil society to coordinate advocacy and campaigning to protect the right to freedom of expression, and to free writers whose persecution is documented within its pages.By bringing together writers whose release was supported through sustained international advocacy and those who have tirelessly campaigned for the right to freedom of expression, this panel discussion will reflect on the lived experience of persecution and the profound difference that acts of international solidarity — and the work of organisations like PEN International — can make in the lives of those whose voices the world cannot afford to lose.--- Moderator Peter Greste – Australian-born journalist, author and academic, and patron of PEN Perth. Greste was previously imprisoned in Egypt while reporting for Al Jazeera and is a leading advocate for press freedom. Speakers Hany Babu – Indian academic, linguist and anti-caste activist who was imprisoned under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and was widely regarded as a prisoner of conscience before he was released on bail in December 2025.Mahmoud Muna – Palestinian writer, publisher and bookseller, known for his work promoting Palestinian literature and culture through Jerusalem’s renowned Educational Bookshop and the Bookshop at the American Colony Hotel. He writes on culture and politics for outlets including the London Review of Books and Jerusalem Quarterly. He is also co-editor of Daybreak in Gaza: Stories of Palestinian Lives and Culture (Saqi Books).Taciana Niadbaj – Belarusian poet, translator, human rights activist and President of PEN Belarus. She is the author of the poetry collection Sirens Are Singing Jazz and the founder of the publishing house Połackija Łabitynty.About the reportWriters Under Siege: Defying Silence – PEN International Case List 2026 highlights the persecution faced by writers worldwide, documenting cases of imprisonment, harassment, violence, and censorship. The report underscores the urgent need for international solidarity to defend writers at risk and protect freedom of expression.</blockquote>

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Voices freed: International Solidarity in a Time of Global Disorder

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