Day of the Imprisoned Writer

The Day of the Imprisoned Writer was established by PEN International, a worldwide association of writers, to draw attention to the plight of writers who are imprisoned, persecuted, or silenced for their work. First observed in 1981, this day has grown into a global movement for freedom of expression.

The Foundational Catalyst

In the late 1970s, PEN International recognized a growing number of writers being jailed for their literary and political activities. The catalyst was the imprisonment of several prominent writers in the Soviet Union, Latin America, and Africa. A resolution at the 1980 PEN Congress in Rio de Janeiro led to the formal proclamation of November 15th as the Day of the Imprisoned Writer. The date was chosen to commemorate the Soviet dissident writer Andrei Sinyavsky, who was arrested in 1965.

The Legislative/Official Adoption

PEN International officially adopted the day in 1981, urging its 100+ centers worldwide to organize events, vigils, and letter-writing campaigns. Many national parliaments and human rights organizations later endorsed the day. The United Nations has recognized the day informally, linking it to its universal declaration of human rights.

Modern Global Legacy

Today, the day is marked by readings, protests, digital campaigns, and solidarity events. It has evolved to address modern challenges like digital censorship, internet shutdowns, and the targeting of journalists and bloggers. The Writers in Prison Committee of PEN International continues to document cases and advocate for release.

Participation can be both personal and organizational. The goal is to stand in solidarity and raise awareness. Here are actionable ways:

For Individuals

• Write a letter: Join PEN's letter-writing campaigns to imprisoned writers. Visit PEN America's website for templates.
• Host a reading: Read works by imprisoned authors at your local library or café. Highlight their stories.
• Share on social media: Use hashtags like #DayOfTheImprisonedWriter and #FreeTheWriters. Share facts and cases.

For Schools and Universities

1. Educational workshops: Teach students about censorship and the importance of free expression.
2. Guest speakers: Invite journalists or human rights activists to speak.
3. Creative projects: Encourage students to write essays or poems in solidarity.

For Organizations and Corporations

• Publish statements: Release press releases supporting imprisoned writers.
• Donate: Contribute to PEN's Legal Defense Fund or similar NGOs.
• Internal awareness: Hold a lunch-and-learn session on press freedom.

Global Traditions

In Europe, many bookstores display works by imprisoned writers. In Latin America, street protests and murals are common. In Asia, digital campaigns and online petitions are popular. In Africa, community radio stations broadcast discussions on free speech.

The Day of the Imprisoned Writer has a profound impact on global awareness of press freedom and human rights. It mobilizes public opinion and puts pressure on governments to release writers. Key outcomes include:

• Documentation: PEN's annual census of imprisoned writers provides crucial data.
• Diplomatic pressure: Embassies and international bodies raise cases during this day.
• Solidarity networks: Writers worldwide feel less isolated knowing they are not forgotten.

The day has also led to the release of several high-profile writers, such as Iranian journalist Nasrin Sotoudeh (though she was freed after international campaigns, including actions on this day). The digital age has expanded the day's reach, with online campaigns reaching millions.

From antiquity to modern times, writers have been imprisoned for their words. Some notable cases include:

Historical Figures

• Thomas More (1478–1535): English humanist imprisoned and executed for refusing to accept Henry VIII as head of the church.
• Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821–1881): Russian novelist sentenced to death, then exiled to Siberia for political conspiracy.
• Oscar Wilde (1854–1900): Imprisoned for homosexuality, he wrote De Profundis while incarcerated.

Modern Cases

• Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (Kenya): Imprisoned in 1977 for his play Ngaahika Ndeenda; he later became a vocal advocate.
• Masha Gessen (Russia): Journalist and author targeted by Russian authorities, fled the country.
• Yusef Salaam (USA): Wrongfully convicted as one of the Central Park Five, now author and activist.

This day honors all such writers, past and present.

PEN International is the driving force behind the Day of the Imprisoned Writer. Founded in 1921, PEN stands for Poets, Essayists, Novelists, but it now includes all writers. Its key activities include:

• Writers in Prison Committee: Monitors cases, publishes annual lists, and coordinates worldwide advocacy.
• Emergency actions: Rapid response to arrests, including public statements and diplomatic interventions.
• Advocacy campaigns: Works with governments and international bodies like the UN.

PEN centers in over 100 countries coordinate local events on November 15th. The organization also provides legal and financial support to imprisoned writers and their families.

Despite progress, threats to writers remain severe. Current challenges include:

• Authoritarian crackdowns: Countries like China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia imprison writers for criticizing the government.
• Digital censorship: Bloggers and online journalists face arrest for social media posts.
• Impunity: Killings of journalists often go unpunished.

The day calls for stronger international laws to protect writers. It also highlights the need for public support. By participating, individuals help ensure that the voices of the oppressed are not silenced.