The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN was set up in 1960 as a result of mounting concern about attempts to silence critical voices around the world through the detention of writers.
It works on behalf of all those who are detained or otherwise persecuted for their opinions expressed in writing and for writers who are under attack for their peaceful political activities or for the practice of their profession, provided that they did not use violence or advocate violence or racial hatred.
The committee is chaired by Joan Smith and the programme is run by Lucy Popescu.
The International PEN Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) gathers its information from a wide variety of sources and compiles it in its biannual Case List. It seeks to confirm its information through two independent sources. Where its information is unconfirmed, it will either take not action, or send an appeal worded to reflect the fact that the information is as yet incomplete. Sources include press reports, reports from individuals in the region in question, reports from other human rights groups PEN members themselves, embassy officials, academics, prisoners' families, lawyers and friends, exile groups, and international non-governmental organizations.
To view International PEN WiPC's case list of persecuted writers, Click here

Centre of International PEN - the only worldwide association of writers.

English PEN's Writers in Prison Committee supports more than 700 writers jailed worldwide for exercising their right to freedom of expression

Each year English PEN brings leading authors to over 1500 people in schools, prisons and young offenders' institutes with its unique Readers & Writers programme

English PEN has a vibrant Events programme, which reaches audiences of over 1500 people per annum, and ranges from large scale public occasions such as the annual International Writers Day to more intimate forums such as Talking Tuesdays

English PEN has over 1000 members and friends drawn from all areas of the literary community