Thursday, July 9, 2009

Writers Unite for Liu Xiaobo

Free Liu Xiaobo

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Online petition - Free Liu Xiaobo

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A letter from PEN America, I want to share this with you, because we believe in 'Freedom of Expression' can lead this world to a better position, peace, harmony and understanding.
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Dear Friend,

You are receiving this message because you added your name to PEN’s petition calling for the release of writer, intellectual, and past Independent Chinese PEN Center President Liu Xiaobo. Recently we learned that Liu is going to be tried on charges that could result in a 15-year prison term. I am now asking you to add your voice to the chorus of Liu’s supporters around the world by sending a letter to Chinese authorities protesting the charges and urging his immediate release.

On June 23, 2009, Liu Xiaobo was removed from the undisclosed location where he had been held for over six months, formally arrested, and charged with “inciting subversion of state power” for his role in the drafting of Charter 08, a manifesto calling for greater human rights and democracy in China. That groundbreaking document, initially signed by 303 individuals on the eve of Human Rights Day, now boasts over 8,500 signatures of Chinese citizens from all walks of life, despite constant threats from authorities.

What we need now is an outpouring of letters and other communications to let the Chinese government know that the world will not sit idly by while an innocent man, guilty only of peacefully using the power of the written word, goes to prison. Please send a letter to Chinese authorities calling for Liu’s release. A sample letter follows. You can also write an op-ed or letter to the editor of your local paper describing the onslaught against Liu Xiaobo and freedom of expression in China . Check out Liu’s case page, as well as PEN’s China campaign page for more information on the situation.

With your help, we can free Liu Xiaobo.

Sincerely,

Larry Siems

Director, Freedom to Write and International Programs

PEN American Center

8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888Petition:

Published by PEN American Center on Feb 04, 2009

Category: Human Rights

Region: GLOBAL

Target: President Hu Jintao

Web site: http://www.pen.org/china

Background (Preamble):

On December 8, 2008, authorities arrested prominent writer and PEN Member Liu Xiaobo after he co-authored Charter 08, a manifesto calling for greater freedoms and democracy in China, which was signed by hundreds citizens from all walks of life.

Liu was formally arrested and charged with "inciting subversion of state power" on June 23, 2009. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. His case illustrates the lengths the Chinese government will still go to stifle free expression, and the determination of Chinese writers to fight for this most basic right. We stand with them in their struggle.

Take action now to help free Liu Xiaobo and send a message to the Chinese government that words are not a crime.

free-liu-xiaobo.html

We, the undersigned, support PEN in its call for the release of Liu Xiaobo, prominent dissident writer, former President and current Board member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center, who has been detained since December 8, 2008 for signing Charter 08, a declaration calling for political reforms and human rights. Liu Xiaobo was held at an undisclosed location in Beijing without charge until June 23, 2009, when he formally arrested and charged with “inciting subversion of state power."

Liu Xiaobo is among a large number of dissidents to have been detained or harassed after issuing an open letter calling on the National People’s Congress Standing Committee to ratify the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and launching Charter 08. These activities formed part of campaigns across China to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (December 10th), and the Charter has now been signed by more than 8,500 scholars, journalists, freelance writers, and activists. PEN reports that nearly all of the original 300 signatories have since been detained or harassed.

PEN considers Liu Xiaobo to be held solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to free expression, and therefore in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory, as well as Article 35 of the Chinese Constitution.

We join PEN in demanding his immediate and unconditional release, and the release of all those currently detained in the People’s Republic of China for the peaceful expression of their opinions.

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http://www.pen.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/3009/prmID/1610

TAKE ACTION: Send an Appeal for Liu Xiaobo

Please send an appeal to Chinese President Hu Jintao and Procurator General Cao Jianming calling for the release of writer and prominent PEN member Liu Xiaobo. We recommend using two methods of sending your appeal in order to ensure your voice is heard:

1. Send an email. Click here to personalize and send the below letter to Chinese officials. If a formatted email does not pop up in your email program, copy and paste the below letter and email it to info@china.org.cn and web@spp.gov.cn with a cc to ftw@pen.org.

2. Send a letter. Copy and personalize the following letter to your personal or instituational letterhead and send via post to the addresses provided. Postage to China is $0.98.

[Date]

His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People’s Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R. China

Mr. Cao Jianming
Procurator General
Supreme People's Procuratorate
No. 147, Beiheyan Dajie
Dongcheng District, Beijing 100726
P.R. China

Your Excellencies,

I am writing to protest the detention of prominent writer and former president and current board member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center Liu Xiaobo.

I understand that on December 8, 2008, police arrested Liu Xiaobo and searched his home and confiscated computers and other materials. He was held at an undisclosed location for more than six months under “residential surveillance” before being formally arrested and charged with “inciting subversion of state power” on June 23, 2009. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison. He is among a number of activists to have been targeted after launching Charter 08, a declaration outlining political reforms and calling for greater human rights. The manifesto, signed by more than 300 scholars, journalists and freelance writers, was released on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, commemorated every year on December 10.

I respectfully urge you facilitate Liu Xiaobo’s immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

[Your name and address]

CC:
Larry Siems
Director, Freedom to Write and International Programs
PEN American Center
588 Broadway, Suite 303
New York, NY 10012

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Professional Background
Liu Xiaobo is a renowned literary critic, writer, and political activist based in Beijing. He served as President of the Independent Chinese PEN Center from 2003 to 2007 and currently holds a seat on its board. Liu Xiaobo was a professor at Beijing Normal University and has worked as a visiting scholar at several universities outside of China, including the University of Oslo, the University of Hawaii, and Columbia University in New York City.

Current Status
Liu Xiaobo was formally arrested on June 23, 2009 by the Beijing Public Security Bureau and charged with “inciting subversion of state power” for co-authoring Charter 08, a declaration calling for political reform, greater human rights, and an end to one-party rule in China that has been signed by hundreds of individuals from all walks of life throughout the country. He had been detained on December 8, 2008 and held for six months and two weeks under “residential surveillance” while police gathered evidence on his case. He is still being held at an undisclosed location in Beijing, but will likely be moved to a formal detention center soon. Liu Xia, Liu Xiaobo’s wife, has only been permitted to visit him twice, he has not had access to a lawyer and he has been denied writing materials in detention. If convicted of the subversion charge, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

Case History
In the spring of 1989, Liu Xiaobo left his post at Columbia University and returned to Beijing to play a crucial role in the spreading pro-democracy movement, staging a hunger strike in Tiananmen Square in support of the students and leading calls for a truly broad-based, sustainable democratic movement. He was instrumental in preventing even further bloodshed in the Square by supporting and advancing a call for non-violence on the part of the students. He spent two years in prison for his role, and another three years of “reeducation through labor” in 1996 for publicly questioning the role of the single-party system and calling for dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama of Tibet.

In 2004, Liu’s phone lines and Internet connection were cut after the release of his essay criticizing the use of “subversion” charges used to silence journalists and activists, and he has been the target of regular police surveillance and harassment in the years since.

Just after 9:00 p.m. on December 8, 2008, before the formal release of Charter 08, police arrived at the Beijing homes of Liu and fellow activist Zhang Zuhua. At 11:00 p.m., they took both men away and searched their homes, confiscating computers and other materials. His arrest occurred during a period of several sensitive anniversaries, including the 100-year anniversary of the promulgation of China’s first constitution, the 60-year anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 30-year anniversary of Beijing’s “Democracy Wall” movement.

While Zhang Zuhua was released the following morning, Liu Xiaobo remains in detention. He was held incommunicado until December 31, when he was finally permitted a visit from his wife.

Since Liu Xiaobo’s arrest, nearly all of the 300 original signatories of Charter 08 have been interrogated in a push to gather evidence against him and crack down on free expression in China.

PEN Press Releases

June 24, 2009:
Writers Condemn Formal Arrest of Chinese Colleague Liu Xiaobo

June 16, 2009:
More than Six Months on, Liu Xiaobo Remains in Detention

April 29, 2009:
Prominent Writer Liu Xiaobo Honored in New York

April 16, 2009:
Liu Xiaobo to Receive Top PEN Honor

March 31, 2009:
Beijing Writer, PEN VP Jiang Qisheng Detained for Charter 08

February 21, 2009:
Writers Decry Detentions During Clinton Visit to China

February 17, 2009:
Writer Tohti Tunyaz Released From Prison in China a Week Before Clinton Visit

January 20, 2009:
World Authors Call on Chinese Authorities to Release Liu Xiaobo

January 19, 2009:
International PEN protests the continued detention of Liu Xiaobo

December 12, 2008:
Liu Xiaobo Is Indivisible From Us: A Statement by Signatories of Charter 08

December 9, 2008:
Leading PEN Member Liu Xiaobo Detained in China on Eve of Human Rights Day

October 17, 2008:
PEN: Signs “Discouraging” for Post-Olympics Human Rights Improvements in China

Liu Xiaobo's Writing

The internet is God's present to China
from Times Online

Additional Online Resources

The Poet in an Unknown Prison
by Liu Xia
from The New York Review of Books

Where is China heading?
by Tania Branigan and Dan Chung
from The Guardian

Manifesto on Freedom Set's China's Persecution Machinery in Motion
by Michael Wines
from the New York Times

Chinese Dissident Liu Xiaobo to Receive Prestigious Award
by Jane Macartney
from Times Online

Honoring Liu Xiaobo: 5 Reasons Why What Happens To Arrested Chinese Writer Liu Matters To Everyone
by Larry Siems
from Huffington Post

Letter from the Consortium for the Release of Liu Xiaobo to China's President Hu Jintao
by Nadine Gordimer, Seamus Heaney, Salman Rushdie, Wole Soyinka, et al
from Human Rights Watch

Petition Urges China to Free Dissident
by Edward Wong
from The New York Times

Beijing Clamps Down After Call for Democracy
by Austin Ramzy
from TIME

Charter 08
Translated by Perry Link
from The New York Review of Books

source:

http://www.pen.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/3029/prmID/172

http://www.pen.org/page.php/prmID/1527

Writers for Freedom of Expression in China

When China was bidding for the Olympics in 2001, the Chinese government made explicit promises to improve its human rights record. But the Olympics have come and gone, with little or no progress for freedom of expression in China. Chinese writers continue to be censored, harassed, and imprisoned throughout the country. More writers are imprisoned now than ever before.

In December 2008, authorities arrested prominent PEN Member Liu Xiaobo after he co-authored a manifesto calling for greater freedoms and democracy in China, which was signed by hundreds citizens from all walks of life. Liu is being held on suspicion of “inciting subversion of state power.” If convicted, he faces at least three years in prison. His case illustrates the lengths the Chinese government will still go to stifle free expression, and the determination of Chinese writers to fight for this most basic right. We stand with them in their struggle.

China: Dissident and literary scholar Liu Xiaobo

Released on June 24, 2009

Amnesty International condemns the formal arrest of prominent scholar and activist Liu Xiaobo on suspicion of "inciting subversion of state power" on 23 June. The People's Daily reported that police accused Liu Xiaobo of activities such as "spreading of rumours and defaming of the government, aimed at subversion of the state and overthrowing the socialism system in recent years".

"These charges against Liu Xiaobo seem to stem from his support for Charter 08, which actually calls for many of the same human rights protections that were reiterated in China's first ever National Human Rights Action Plan," said Roseann Rife, Asia-Pacific Deputy Program Director at Amnesty International. "His arrest follows a series of crackdowns on activists around the 20th Tiananmen anniversary and intensified control of internet use which only demonstrates the authorities' lack of commitment to and total disregard for the goals of the Action Plan."

"This use of state security charges to punish activists for merely expressing their views must stop," said Rife. "This is another act of desperation by a regime that is terrified of public opinion."

Liu Xiaobo was seized from his home in Beijing by the police on December 8, two days before the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the original launch date of Charter 08, a blueprint stemming from civil society's calls for fundamental legal and political reform in China. In violation of the Criminal Procedure Law, the police failed to give his family information about where Liu was detained and to provide a detention notice within 24 hours. The police then placed him under "residential surveillance", a form of house arrest with a maximum six-month limit, without charge, access to a lawyer or any due process for more than six months.

"The authorities must drop the politically-motivated prosecution against Liu Xiaobo who merely peacefully exercised his rights to freedom of expression. He should be released immediately and unconditionally."

The Chinese authorities must also stop the ongoing harassment, detention, prosecution and imprisonment of Chinese human rights defenders and activists who are also peacefully exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.

BACKGROUND

Charter 08, initially signed by approximately 300 Chinese scholars, lawyers and officials, proposes a blueprint for fundamental legal and political reform in China, with the goal of a democratic system that respects human rights. Charter 08 was launched on 9 December 2008. Since then numerous signatories have been questioned and harassed by Chinese authorities.

Liu Xiaobo is a well-known scholar who was arbitrarily detained twice previously for his writings and his support of the democracy movement in 1989 and spent several years in detention.

source : http://www.amnesty.org.hk/html/node/10330

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/24/china-human-rights

Posted by Albert Ashok

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

The other side of Taslima

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I am an executive member of West Bengal PEN chapter till today, but the writings that I have written here donot represent the PEN west Bengal Chapter in any way. Like other human being, I am also made of blood, flesh and emotion. Beyond this organisation, the PEN West Bengal chapter I am also an individual and I have my expressions on some on going events. So, read it as Albert Ashok's personal view and expression, I do not and never represent any writings for this organisation that I belong. I donot give any credit to the west Bengal PEN chapter. because The secretary of the organisation has other means of publication, they donot use this blog. From the beginning I have been collecting news/ information from different sources and publish here for the benefit of writers and common people, and credit goes to the source of information where from I collect it excluding my personal views.

After publishing this following matter I have been hindered and asked to withdraw. But I think I have not done anything wrong. The secretary of the PEN west Bengal Chapter called me over phone and threatened me my cancellation of membership, I am sorry for him. Let this International community follow the consequence of my writing this post.

I started this blog when I was not a member. My purpose was to project the news of The P.E.N. and its centers from West Bengal. The voice of secretary over Phone has completely let me down. I am sorry . I invite your comment because I am willing to delete the blog address, your comment will help me to take a right decision. It is very hard to face always fear and anxiety and rendering a service for greater world - Albert Ashok

I have another blog for pen news :

http://penreporter.blogspot.com/

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The other side of Ms. Taslima Nasrin the feminist writer

Ms Nasrin has some misconception about PEN West Bengal, she is angry because Indian government could not provide adequate security for her stay in India. So, she wants a revenge and made a complain to an international organization without context and provocation on 22^nd june 2009, in a time when it is very critical to West Bengal chapter of Indian PEN center for some reason. The mail is published here. This is a reply to Ms. Nasrin's mail.

It all started one day when I came to pick up an email of Taslima Nasrin from a website page of International PEN in 2008, (probably) month of May.( so far I can remember)

As my occupation is writing books and a stark defender of ‘Freedom of Expression’ it was my policy to defend and keep a vigil all the charters of UN covenant. I made many blogs where I post all the news that Article 19, IFEX, and PEN International and its centers world wide and other sources publish. I do it by my own pocket money, I could have used my time and my money enjoying my life as it is my hard earned money. I am a freelancer, I have no job guarantee, I have my family. I can give my son something he need for his study. But I think I am doing something great for this world, like me there are many people ( in comparison, very few numbers in thousand) doing and thinking this. This is the way how the world moves. So, if you expect more how shall I give you. Be contented what you are having.

Ms. Nasrin was in problem and in trouble. International PEN had an appeal to Indian government to look into Ms. Nasrin’s Problem. Someone has to take initiatives to support or defend her cause. I stepped forward; I told my PEN members/ colleagues in West Bengal. We had a discussion as how to help her. We have no fund to start action and campaign. We decided personally we shall try our best level, influence people and do the necessary according our strength, and we did it for Ms. Taslima Nasrin.

The intellectuals in Kolkata, West Bengal, personally have defended ‘taslima’ the woman, and made speech in favour of her through different Media. Its recorded documents.

From early 1993, probably when she started attacking some persons (not the system) in media in the name of literature, from then on I had a close observation on her ( my sentiment is after all she is a writer I should defend her) like many defenders of Freedom of Expression. I have stored many important published news from different sources in my collection. From Hanifa Deen’s (an Australian author of Pakistani origin, ) ‘The crescent and the pen’ to many assorted news journals and her books. So, with out document I hardly speak.

Mr Sunil Gangopadhyay to Madam Mahasweta Devi, many came down to street to defend her. Our late president of All India PEN center, Mr Annada Shankar Roy had taken many initiatives to support Taslima in 1994, and it is a published news document. How come she says a lie to an international body! Is it a conspiracy to degrade a community and attract the attention of media, fooling all?

What you see is not the whole world, beyond your knowledge the world does exist too, it has the rest massive part. You are an ignorant, irresponsible and small creature when you make a comment what you do not know.

I sent a mail to Ms. Nasrin who is exhorting polygamy in society through interviews in media,as a feminists view, she retorted me: She replied on Saturday, 3 May, 2008

i did not know there was a PEN in west bengal. did you do anything when the west bengal government threw a writer out of the state?

(The exact mail with out editing what she sent to me)

I assured her in my mail a strong support next day.

After then I tried to keep a communication with her but she found she has no interest in us. Because this Bengal ( including Bangladesh) know her critically.

The western countries are very busy how they would expose themselves above all as a big champion of freedom of expression and Human rights, they don’t judge what they are doing in most cases.

Is there any precaution or punishment for those who abuse the rights freedom of Expression?

Do you think Freedom of Expression is for killing millions? Hurting millions? All pornography writings? Waging wars? Rioting ? Communal disharmony?

This question has arisen in me.

All I knew we want a better world. Taslima Nasrin is not matched with Salman Rushdie, We defended him for his good literature.

In early 90 when Lajja was published it was not a literary work, it is not that the fact she wrote, many criticized about her writing skill, many said it was not literature. Many individuals and organisations, the defenders of ‘Freedom of Expression’, supported many writers, reporters who were not like Ms. Taslima Nasrin.

Does she not wear the title as irresponsible, ungrateful and stupid woman when she says to International PEN ( the following mail ) :

Hi Caroline !

I just cant resist myself to inform you that during my stay in Kolkata, (West Bengal, India) the government of West Bengal banned my book called 'Dwikhandito', a several fatwa was issued against me by the Muslim fundamentalists, they set price on my head, i was physically attacked by the fanatics, I was forced to live under house arrest by the the government, after a violent protest against my stay in Kolkata I was bundled out of Kolkata which was my home for 4 years ( 2004-2007), I was again forced to live in solitary confinement in Delhi, and finally I was thrown out of India by the Indian government. A writer, because of her writings, and because of her views that are different than the extremists has been banished, banned and blacklisted in the ''largest democracy'', and PEN kolkata did not do anything to protest against the fatwas, or attacks or harassment.

I don't think PEN is at all a known organisation in Kolkata.

I am now having a nomadic existence in the West, living out of a suitcase. My home is still in Kolkata, and I am not allowed to return to my home.

I hope you will try to find some efficient writers to be involved in PEN kolkata who can support the persecuted writers.

Best,

Taslima

Because of PEN centers she is enjoying a VIP status, (she has exploited a lot people’s sentiment, we become emotional easily and illogically sometime!)

Ms. Taslima Nasrin is Bangladeshi national, she has lived there all her life,Bangladesh has a PEN centers of International PEN, did she ever complain against the center to International PEN or somewhere else because it could not provide security? Or is she taking revenge that we could not do adequate arrangement for her shelter in India? So far I know Indian government has extended her Visa, but she is free to speak a lie.

Or Is she exercising her freedom of expression this way? Or does she think it is a way to earn more dollar and live in news? Sometimes artists and writers do this intentionally its a trend to live in news.

Do feminists think it is her expression of feminism?

By the comment above she made, she did not insulted only the Bengal in India, the Bangladesh also will feel insulted and appreciate what a ungrateful genius it has brought forth.

Every one in a country is not a evil. Most people are good and can be trusted.

Stop Ms. Nasrin, commenting untrue and lies. You are creating a hostile environment in Bengal. If possible please, co operate us, to help the dissidents and persecuted writers. We, who defend you don’t discourage us, don’t steal our ground beneath our feet to stand for Freedom of Expression. This is our self willed service not by the fund of any generous or philanthropic organization. And West Bengal PEN chapter always a follower of International PEN, It works according its own strength.

Your comment the Bengal will keep as a treasure and remember you for ever.

I don’t think doing this you will earn more from the ignorant westerners.

Your comment has put us in an embarrassing position, it gave us pain and deep wound as a reward and in face of our hard working voluntary service. The damage you have done to us you can never restore.

We request the government of Bangladesh where she was born to treat her properly and secure her living, and Ms Taslima should return to her homeland where she can fight her cause and mission. We wish her the best.

I have studied Ms. Taslima Nasrin’s a few years ( 1993 to 2009), I can not resist to tell all about her rise and western countries should know her well so that she will get more comfort all over the world. I shall post it with in few weeks. Promise.

writen and posted by Albert Ashok

Saturday, June 20, 2009

The PEN WestBengal Review

20 June '09

All-India PEN Center, West Bengal Chapter has published today its Inaugural issue
‘PEN West Bengal Review’ , a quarterly news bulletin at Mandeville Gardens, This issue was released by noted writer Sunil Gangopadhyay in presence of executive members.
A six pages quarterly coloured bulletin, size : 9 x 12 inches, on 90 GSM glossy art paper. Price Rs.50/ though the bulletin will be publishing in English but rooms are reserved for vernacular and provincial writers ( any Indian language). Apart from Local and International news, our focus will center on the history of Indian Pen and how more active involvement The Bengal chapter (West Bengal) had since 1934 in its inception. The late president of All-India PEN, Mr. Annada Shankar Roy and Lila Roy had published an autobiography which tells detail account . I hope International PEN has an earlier record and proof of its history which can support the truth about Indian PEN History. We have been shocked when Mr Ranjit hoskote behaves with West Bengal chapter strangely, and try to avoid the communication. He is a responsible person as he holds the seat of hon. Secretary and treasurer of All India PEN center. We are more shocked when he says he has no information and paper about West Bengal Chapter. We brought this news to International PEN, but the International PEN strangely keeping a silence, we have no response. How strange a world community and organization of writers act! Was it a dream of Mrs Dawson Scot and Mr. Galsworthy when they formed it? This world is watching how ill intention and disintegration is creeping into the age old writers organization. Thank you

Albert Ashok
Executive member , PEN All-India center, West Bengal Chapter
Editor : The PEN WestBengal Review

To read or print our journal click the pages below

1

http://penwestbengal.blogspot.com/2009/06/dr-jagannath-ghosh-passes-away-on-10.html

http://penwestbengal.blogspot.com/2009/06/in-loving-memory-of-debkumar-basu.html

http://penwestbengal.blogspot.com/2009/04/grievance-against-all-india-pen-center.html

http://penwestbengal.blogspot.com/2009/04/history-of-pen-in-bengali-for-bengali.html

posted by Albert Ashok

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Festival, Politics and Storytelling

Festival and Co : Politics and Storytelling
18-20 June 2010
Venue: Venues across Paris

English PEN is proud to announce that it will be sponsoring Shakespeare and Company's fourth literary festival, Politics and Storytelling, which will take place in Paris from June 18-20, 2010. In the spirit of Shakespeare and Company's fifty-year-independent bookshop, FestivalandCo is an international yet intimate event that is mostly free and open to all.

2010: Politics and Storytelling
Next year's theme will explore the way writers depict, transform and influence their political environment. What role does politics play in the novel? How much do politicans rely on invention and storytelling? Do writers have a political responsibility? How do censorship and ideology shape our culture? Authors from around the world will discuss these issues amongst others and look at the importance of literature in our present cultural climate.

Over the course of three days we will host readings, panel discussions, book signings and film screenings. Held in the park next to Shakespeare and Company opposite Notre Dame, the festival will attract authors, actors and spectators from around the world. There will also be special events in select venues across Paris such as Théâtre de l'Odéon, the École des Beaux-Arts and the Hôtel de Ville.

Visit www.festivalandco.com for further details.

FestivalandCo 2008
The 2008 festival, Real Lives: Exploring Memoir and Biography, attracted over 6000 people. The 35 participating authors included Paul Auster, Alain de Botton, Jung Chang, Rachel Cusk, A.C. Grayling, A.M. Homes, Siri Hustvedt, Hermione Lee, Catherine Millet, Amélie Nothomb, Marjane Satrapi, André Schiffrin and Jeanette Winterson. Charlotte Rampling and other actors also participated.

FestivalandCo 2008 was sponsored by The New York Review of Books, the Times Literary Supplement, English PEN, Eurostar, Roederer Champagne, Montblanc, the Mairie de Paris, the French Ministry of Culture, The British Council, The American Embassy and other associations.

Shakespeare and Company
Shakespeare and Company was opened by George Whitman in 1951. Over the years, writers such as Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Henry Miller, Anaïs Nin, Richard Wright, Lawrence Durrell, James Baldwin, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti have written, given readings and even lived at the shop. Now 95 years old, George has received the Officier des Arts et Lettres from the French Government for his long-running contribution to Parisian literary history. His daughter, Sylvia Whitman, now runs the institution and founded FestivalandCo in 2003.

http://www.englishpen.org/events/otherevents/shakespeareandcofestival/

Free the Word! around the world

A global celebration of the best in contemporary writing

1 June 2009

International PEN, the world writers' association, continues to celebrate the best in contemporary writing by taking its festival of world literature, Free the Word!, global. Established in London in 2008, Free the Word! aims to bring together ‘the great writers you know and the great writers you don't', giving a platform to explosive and exciting storytelling, dialogue and discussion across cultures and languages.

From October 2009, Free the Word! will evolve into a truly international festival with events taking place across world cities all linked by a shared theme. The theme for 2009 - 2010 is ‘Words, words, nothing but words?', taken from Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida, embodying the very essence of International PEN and its belief that the value and exchange of words gives insights into other worlds through shared stories and experiences.

The festival will begin its global journey on 23 October in Linz, Austria for three days with Free the Word! Linz, immediately after the 75th International PEN Congress. It will be followed by Free theWord! Guadalajara in November, Free the Word! Dakar in December and from January 2010, events continue in Cartagena, Barcelona, Algiers and the third Free the Word! London in April. All will promote the best in world literature and literature in translation.

This month, International PEN also launches Free the Word! World Book Club. The club, presented in association with Temple Translations, aims to further celebrate the great writers you know and the great writers you don't, by giving readers across the globe the chance to access and interact with literature and voices that they might not otherwise hear.

'Think of Free the Word as the ley lines of world literature', that's the aim says Sir Tom Stoppard, International PEN author advocate.

The books featured will be chosen from Free the Word! festival authors with commentaries, discussion topics, blogs and Free the Word! event podcasts from the writers, translators and other eminent literary figures. The book launching Free the Word! World Book Club is Tahmima Anam's The Golden Age. Anam was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, grew up in Paris, Bangkok and New York and studied at Harvard and in London. In 2001, she received a fellowship to research the Bangladesh War of Independence, travelling throughout the country to interview ex-freedom fighters, military officers, students and survivors of the 1971 war. A Golden Age is a fictionalised account of these war stories combined with Anam's family history.

Commentaries and readers' guides will be available in English, French and Spanish and a new book with be introduced every month.

- Ends -

Further details about Free the Word! and the Free the Word! World Book Club can be found at www.internationalpen.org.uk/go/literary-events

For more information please contact Emily Bromfield, Communications Director:
Email: emily.bromfield@internationalpen.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7 405 0338

Note to Editors:

About International PEN
Originally founded in 1921 to promote literature, today International PEN has 144 Centres in 102 countries across the globe. Our primary goal is to engage with, and empower, societies and communities across cultures and languages, through reading and writing. It recognises that literature is essential to understanding and engaging with other worlds; if you can't hear the voice of another culture how can you understand it? We believe that writers can play a crucial role in changing and developing civil society through the promotion of literature, international campaigning on issues such as freedom of expression and translation, and challenging and breaking down barriers and access to literature through publishing and distribution at international, regional and national levels. Its membership is open to all published writers who subscribe to the PEN Charter regardless of nationality, language, race, colour or religion. International PEN is a non-political organisation and has special consultative status at UNESCO and the United Nations.

http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/go/news/free-the-word-around-the-world

MEXICO: Second journalist murdered in Durango state

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) is shocked by the abduction and murder of La Opinión crime reporter Eliseo Barrón Hernández on 25-26 May 2009. Barrón, who had recently covered a police corruption scandal, is the second journalist to be shot dead in Durango state this month. His death brings to 22 the number of writers and print journalists killed in Mexico since 2004. The WiPC calls on the Mexican authorities to carry out a full and impartial investigation into Barrón's murder and all other unresolved journalist killings and to bring to justice those responsible. It also urges the authorities to fulfil promises to make such crimes against journalists a federal offence.

Eliseo Barrón Hernández, crime reporter for the Torreón-based daily newspaper La Opinión and other local newspapers in Gómez Palacio, Durango state, was abducted on 25 May 2009 and subsequently murdered. On the night of 25 May around eight hooded and armed men reportedly entered Barrón's house in Gómez Palacio, beat him in front of his wife and two children, and forced him into a vehicle parked outside. His body was found the next morning in a ditch in the municipality of Tlahualiko, Durango, next to Coahuila state. He had a gunshot wound to his head and according to some reports his body also bore signs of torture.

Barrón (35) had reportedly covered police and crime for La Opinión, based in Torreón in the neighbouring state of Coahuila, for the last 10 years. It is understood that he had recently reported on a corruption scandal in the Torreón police as a result of which 302 police officers were fired and at least 20 others were investigated.

The journalist's family has filed a complaint with the Attorney General's Office (Procuraduría General de la República, PGR). The local authorities have not make public any leads or possible motives for the crime, however the investigation has reportedly been taken over by federal authorities for reasons that are as yet unclear.

Background
Barrón is the second journalist to be killed in Durango state this month, following the fatal shooting of El Tiempo de Durango reporter Carlos Ortega Samper on 3 May - World Press Freedom Day (for more information on Ortega's murder, click here). Durango is reportedly an important centre for the drugs trafficking trade.

Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to work as a journalist. From 2004 to 2009, 22 writers - 21 print journalists and one author - have been murdered, while four more print journalists have disappeared. Few if any of these crimes have been properly investigated or punished. International PEN believes that it is likely that these journalists were targeted in retaliation for their critical reporting, particularly on drug trafficking. While organised crime groups are responsible for many attacks, state agents, especially government officials and the police, are reportedly the main perpetrators of violence against journalists, and complicit in its continuance. For more information, click here.

Useful links

Report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ): http://cpj.org/2009/05/mexican-journalist-who-covered-police-is-abducted.php#more
Report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF): http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=31438
Report by the National Center for Social Communication (CENCOS): http://www.ifex.org/mexico/2009/05/27/barron_hernandez_killed/

Please send appeals:

Expressing grave concern at the abduction and murder of La Opinión crime reporter Eliseo Barrón Hernández in Durango state on 25-26 May 2009;
Calling for a full, prompt and impartial investigation into Barrón's killing and all other unsolved murders of journalists in Mexico;
Calling on the government of President Felipe Calderón to fulfil promises to make crimes against journalists a federal offence, specifically by amending the Constitution so that federal authorities have the power to investigate, prosecute and punish such crimes.

Appeals to:

President
Lic. Felipe De Jesús Calderón Hinojosa
Presidente de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos
Residencia Oficial de los Pinos Casa Miguel Alemán
Col. San Miguel Chapultepec, C.P. 11850, DISTRITO FEDERAL, México
Fax: (+ 52 55) 5093 4901/ 5277 2376
Email: felipe.calderon@presidencia.gob.mx
Salutation: Señor Presidente/ Dear Mr President

Attorney General
Lic. Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza
Procurador General de la República
Av. Paseo de Reforma No. 211-213, Piso 16
Col. Cuauhtémoc, Defegacion Cuauhtémoc
México D.F. C.P. 06500
Teléfono + 52 55 5346 0108
Fax: + 52 55 53 46 0908 (if a voice answers, ask "tono de fax, por favor")
E-mail: ofproc@pgr.gob.mx
Salutation: Señor Procurador General/Dear Attorney General

Please also send copies of your appeals to the Mexican Embassy in your country.
See http://www.sre.gob.mx/acerca/directorio/embajadas/dirembajadas.htm

***Please send appeals immediately. Check with International PEN if sending appeals after 29 July 2009.***

For further details please contact Tamsin Mitchell at the Writers in Prison Committee London Office: International PEN, Brownlow House, 50-51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER Tel: +44 (0) 207 405 0338 Fax +44 (0) 207 405 0339 email: tamsin.mitchell@internationalpen.org.uk

http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/go/news/mexico-second-journalist-murdered-in-durango-state

Twenty Years On: Writers Unite

4 June 2009 - Twenty Years On: Writers Unite

Before you enter the grave
Don't forget to write me with your ashes
Do not forget to leave your address in the nether world

From a poem by Liu Xiaobo, dissident writer and former President of the Independent Chinese PEN Centre.

Twenty years after the violent crackdown on the pro-democracy protests which took place in Beijing and other major cities in China on and around 4 June 1989, one of the pro-democracy movement's leading protagonists, Liu Xiaobo, is once again in jail. He is among some forty-three writers detained today in the People's Republic of China for the peaceful expression of their opinions. The detention of Liu Xiaobo is a visible symbol of the Chinese government's unremitting hostility towards any form of organised opposition.

Liu Xiaobo first received support from PEN 20 years ago, when, in 1989, he was one of a group of writers and intellectuals given the label the "Black Hands of Beijing" by the government, and arrested for their part in the Tiananmen Square protests. Liu has since spent a total of five years in prison, including a three year sentence passed in 1996, and he has suffered frequent short arrests, harassment and censorship. Since 8 December 2008, Liu Xiaobo has been held under Residential Surveillance at an undisclosed location in Beijing. He is among a large number of dissidents to have been detained or harassed since December 2008 for their support of Charter 08, a declaration calling for political reforms and human rights. No charges have as yet been made known.

International PEN has had significant concerns about freedom of expression in China for many years, where the large numbers of writers and journalists harassed, detained and imprisoned for calling for improved civil and political rights have remained largely unchanged. PEN also has serious concerns about prison conditions, ill-health, access to medical care and family visits.

On 4 June 2009, International PEN WiPC is calling upon writers worldwide to express solidarity with their colleagues in China who are today behind bars, many serving lengthy prison terms, solely for the peaceful expression of their views. PEN is demanding their immediate and unconditional release.

Please send appeals:

Expressing dismay that, twenty years after the suppression of the 1989 pro-democracy protests, there has been little change in the situation for writers in China, who continue to be arrested in large numbers for their peaceful dissent;
Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those currently detained in China in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory.

Send appeals to:

His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People's Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R. China

Mr. Meng Jianzhu
Minister of Public Security
East Chang'an Avenue 14
100741 Beijing
P.R. China

Please note that there are no fax numbers for the Chinese authorities. WiPC recommends that you copy your appeal to the Chinese embassy in your country asking them to forward it and welcoming any comments.

Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for China in your country if possible.

Letters to the press:

PEN members are urged to write letters to their national newspapers expressing alarm at events in China, and highlighting Liu Xiaobo's case to illustrate the many years of repression in the country.

For further information please contact Cathy McCann at International PEN Writers in Prison Committee, Brownlow House, 50/51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER, Tel.+ 44 (0) 20 7405 0338, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7405 0339, email: cathy.mccann@internationalpen.org.uk

http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/go/news/4-june-2009-twenty-years-on-writers-unite

Fears for safety of author Lydia Cacho

MEXICO: Fears for safety of author Lydia Cacho

28 May 2009

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) is deeply concerned by the harassment of award-winning author, journalist and activist Lydia Cacho which has reportedly escalated over the last two weeks, giving rise to fears for her safety. Cacho reports being watched and followed by unknown armed individuals who have been seen photographing and filming her home and inspecting her car. The WiPC calls on the Mexican authorities to investigate these incidents and repeated death threats Cacho has reportedly received since February as a matter of the utmost urgency, and to take immediate measures to guarantee her safety. It also urges the authorities to fulfil its promises to make such crimes against journalists a federal offence.

On 12 May 2009 a man was reportedly seen taking photos of Lydia Cacho's apartment in Cancún and inspecting her car. On 14 May the same man, this time carrying a gun, was seen outside her apartment door; he left when a neighbour passed by. On 15 May two men in a different car reportedly parked outside her apartment door for two hours and later appeared outside her office, also in Cancún. On 22 May the first man - again armed - came back to her home with another man and reportedly filmed the building with a video camera.

According to Cacho, she has also been receiving death threats via her blog (http://www.lydiacacho.net/) since February 2009, including one which reportedly threatened to "slit her throat". According to Cacho, a number of the emails in February were sent from the same computer; the authorities know the origin but refused to take action as they were "only threats".

Cacho has reported the surveillance and death threats to the Quintano Roo State police. The police have reportedly said that they would look for the owners of the cars reported but that they do not consider the threats or the presence of an armed civilian to be a criminal offence.

The ongoing harassment of and death threats against Cacho are particularly alarming given the Mexican authorities' failure to provide her with protection and legal redress in the past and the climate of violence against journalists in the country. (See Background below for more information).

Background
Following the publication of her first book in 2005, on child pornography in Mexico (Los Demonios del Edén: el poder detrás de la pornografía - The Demons of Eden: the power behind pornography), Cacho was illegally arrested, detained and ill treated before being subjected to a year-long criminal defamation lawsuit. She was cleared of all charges in 2007, but her attempts to gain legal redress for her treatment have been thwarted while all but one of the people involved in the paedophile network she exposed in her book remain at liberty. Cacho was awarded the 2008 Tucholsky prize from Swedish PEN and the 2007 Oxfam/Novib PEN Award for Free Expression, among numerous others. She was one of the subjects of the WiPC's International Women's Day action in March 2009 and International PEN's Day of the Imprisoned Writer action in November 2006. For more information on Cacho, click here.

Useful links

Alert by Article 19: http://www.article19.org/pdfs/press/mexico-article-19-concerned-about-personal-safety-of-lydia-cacho.pdf

Please send appeals:

Expressing deep concern at the ongoing harassment of award-winning author, journalist and activist Lydia Cacho which has reportedly escalated in recent weeks, giving rise to fears for her safety. Cacho reports being watched and followed by unknown armed individuals who have been seen photographing and filming her home and inspecting her car.
Calling on the state and federal authorities to investigate these incidents and the repeated death threats Cacho has reportedly received since February as a matter of the utmost urgency, and to take immediate measures to guarantee her safety.
Calling on the government of President Felipe Calderón to fulfil its promises to make crimes against journalists a federal offence, specifically by amending the Constitution so that federal authorities have the power to investigate, prosecute and punish such crimes.

Appeals to:

Governor of Quintano Roo State
Lic. Félix González Canto
Gobierno del Estado de Quintana Roo. Administración 2005 - 2011.
Palacio de Gobierno. Av. 22 de Enero No. 001 Col. Centro. C.P. 77000.
Chetumal, Quintana Roo, México.
Tel: +52 983 832 4257
Email: despachodelejecutivo@qroo.gob.mx

Minister of Interior
Lic. Fernando Francisco Gómez-Mont Urueta
Secretaría de Gobernación
Bucareli 99, 1er. piso,
Col. Juárez, Del. Cuauhtémoc,
México D.F., C.P.06600, MEXICO
Fax: +52 55 5093 3414
E-mail: secretario@segob.gob.mx
Salutation: Señor Secretario/Dear Minister

Please also send copies of your appeals to the Mexican Embassy in your country.
See http://www.sre.gob.mx/acerca/directorio/embajadas/dirembajadas.htm

***Please send appeals immediately. Check with International PEN if sending appeals after 29 July 2009.***

http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/go/news/mexico-fears-for-safety-of-author-lydia-cacho

Submissions for 'Context: Asia Pacific'

Coming in Autumn/Winter 2009:
PEN International: ‘Context: Asia Pacific'

PEN International's regional spotlight series resumes with a focus on Asia Pacific in a celebration of contemporary writing from the furthest reaches of Australasia to the Indian Subcontinent and into Afghanistan, plus all of East and Southeast Asia. Guest writers and new translations to be announced.
Visit www.internationalpen.org.uk for updates.

Submissions are welcome from writers from these regions or residing there,
as well as non-inhabitants who have written on or travelled through these
parts of the world.

To contribute work, please contact the editor at
mitchell.albert@internationalpen.org.uk.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 25 JULY 2009

Dr. Jagannath Ghosh passes away on 10 may 2009

After the sad demise of Debkumar basu in march, 2007 in Puri, Orrissa, Dr. Jagannath Ghosh became the Hon. Secretary and treasurer of All India PEN, West Bengal chapter.
He died on 10th may 2009

He was born in June, 1938 in Khulna district ( now in Bangladesh)
and was M. A. ( Calcutta University) and did Ph.D ( from Rabindra Bharati University).

He was a professor at Gobardanga Hindu College and a reader, He retired in 1998.
Dr, Ghosh started writing at his early age as student, His first poem published in 1953.

Since then he had written more than 30 books on theater, drama , playwrights of Bengal and other literatures. He had edited many periodicals or magazines and engazed in different type of literary works. He was honoured and awarded several times for his literary works

Please click the bengali word image below

In loving memory of DebKumar basu

Famous Debu Da' passed away at the age of 79

Deb Kumar Basu, passed away on february 24, 2007 in Puri, Orrissa, at the age of 79. He was Hon. Secretary and treasurer of All India PEN, WestBengal since 1992. He became a member of PEN WestBengal in 1977.

He was a Publisher, editor, and a great organiser of literary events. A generous publisher, shelter and an institution for the new writers and young generation.

please click the bengali word image to view enlarged

Debkumar

with love and regards

A book on DebKumar Basu
below the the hard cover photo of the book

Under the guidance of Sunil Gangopadhya

The editors were :

Dr. Jagannath Ghosh

Sandip Datta

Ranjan Gupta

Shyamal Purkyastha

Shibdas Basak

published by :

Sudhangshu Sekhar Dey

Dey’s Publishing

13 bankim Chatterjee Street. Kolkata – 73

The content of the book is flooded by 211 poets, artists and intellectuals. Everyone has written their own account - how they came in touch of Debkumar Basu, and how they felt and reacted.

Total pages 374.

Price Rs. 300/

Friday, May 15, 2009

English PEN is sponsoring Shakespeare and Company's fourth literary festival, Politics and Storytelling in Paris

Festival &Co: Politics and Storytelling

18-20 June 2010

Venue: Venues across Paris

English PEN is proud to announce that it will be sponsoring Shakespeare and Company's fourth literary festival, Politics and Storytelling, which will take place in Paris from June 18-20, 2010. In the spirit of Shakespeare and Company's fifty-year-independent bookshop, FestivalandCo is an international yet intimate event that is mostly free and open to all.

2010: Politics and Storytelling
Next year's theme will explore the way writers depict, transform and influence their political environment. What role does politics play in the novel? How much do politicans rely on invention and storytelling? Do writers have a political responsibility? How do censorship and ideology shape our culture? Authors from around the world will discuss these issues amongst others and look at the importance of literature in our present cultural climate.

Over the course of three days we will host readings, panel discussions, book signings and film screenings. Held in the park next to Shakespeare and Company opposite Notre Dame, the festival will attract authors, actors and spectators from around the world. There will also be special events in select venues across Paris such as Théâtre de l'Odéon, the École des Beaux-Arts and the Hôtel de Ville.

Visit www.festivalandco.com for further details.

FestivalandCo 2008
The 2008 festival, Real Lives: Exploring Memoir and Biography, attracted over 6000 people. The 35 participating authors included Paul Auster, Alain de Botton, Jung Chang, Rachel Cusk, A.C. Grayling, A.M. Homes, Siri Hustvedt, Hermione Lee, Catherine Millet, Amélie Nothomb, Marjane Satrapi, André Schiffrin and Jeanette Winterson. Charlotte Rampling and other actors also participated.

FestivalandCo 2008 was sponsored by The New York Review of Books, the Times Literary Supplement, English PEN, Eurostar, Roederer Champagne, Montblanc, the Mairie de Paris, the French Ministry of Culture, The British Council, The American Embassy and other associations.

Shakespeare and Company
Shakespeare and Company was opened by George Whitman in 1951. Over the years, writers such as Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Henry Miller, Anaïs Nin, Richard Wright, Lawrence Durrell, James Baldwin, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti have written, given readings and even lived at the shop. Now 95 years old, George has received the Officier des Arts et Lettres from the French Government for his long-running contribution to Parisian literary history. His daughter, Sylvia Whitman, now runs the institution and founded FestivalandCo in 2003.

International PEN continues to work with the African PEN Centres

Africa Regional Programme

The Africa Regional Programme is now in its third year and the focus in 2009 will be on Centre sustainability, evaluation and shared learning, and the development of new and existing programmes. These programmes will be developed in the priority programmatic areas the Centres identified: education, library and community access, and the promotion of literature.

African PEN Centres

2008 International PEN funded projects

Education Projects

Ghanaian PEN is developing its creative reading and writing clubs in schools that were established in 1990s. The clubs are based primarily in schools in rural areas and focus on developing English language reading and writing skills, leadership skills and human rights awareness.

Ugandan PEN is building on the project established in 2007 to write ‘Ugandan childhood memories,' which involved mentoring 90 children to develop their writing style and stories relating to different areas of life in Uganda and their own experience. The Centre will continue the mentoring project and in addition will hold a series of workshops with the mentors, mentees and teachers to develop tools to improve literature teaching in schools.

Somali Speaking PEN ‘s main aim is to promote reading and writing in Somali, which has only existed as a written language since 1972. The Centre is building on its work promoting Somali literature by carrying out an education project in schools in and around Djibouti, holding creative writing workshops with students.

Library and Community Access projects

Zambian PEN is building on the work it has carried out through its schools clubs and events in 2007 through holding a series of events in libraries. These events target different generations and sections of the community as well as including participants of their schools clubs programmes. The events include traditional stories, children's writings as well as introducing the resources available in the library through introducing different literary texts.

Guinean PEN is building on the mobile library bus and schools clubs project, which visits schools in rural areas that do not have access to books. This project is building on the strength and long-term impact of the establishment of a mobile library and schools clubs by developing participants skills to run the clubs in between writer visits through writing and training workshops.

Literature and Public Engagement projects

Nigerian PEN is holding a series of workshops examining the role of the writer in society and in education. These include events for young writers and also creative reading and writing workshops in community groups and schools.

Day of the Imprisoned Writer

Six African PEN Centres held events on the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, November 15th to promote freedom of expression and human rights issues in their country in Ghana, Guinea, Malawi, Uganda, Somalia and Zambia.

International PEN will continue to work with the African PEN Centres in 2009 to develop their programmatic work and capacity

American-Iranian journalist released

IRAN: American-Iranian journalist released

11 May 2009

RAN 15/09 - Update #2

The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN welcomes the release on 11 May 2009 of Iranian-American journalist and writer Roxana Saberi, who has been held since January 2009. She had been sentenced to eight-years in prison on charges of ‘espionage'.

According to press reports, Roxana Saberi, aged 31, was released today from Tehran's Evin prison a few hours after the appeal hearing, in which the charge of espionage was dropped to the lesser charge of ‘having access to classified information' and the eight-year prison sentence reduced to a two-year suspended sentence. Her father met her as she left prison, and the family are understood to be leaving Iran soon. Saberi has also been banned from working as a journalist in Iran for five years.

Background
Roxana Saberi was arrested in late January 2009 for buying alcohol, which is prohibited in Iran. In early March it was reported that her detention was linked to her allegedly ‘illegal' and ‘unauthorised' activities as a journalist in Iran since 2006, when her press credentials were revoked. However, on 18 April 2009 she was sentenced behind closed doors by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran to eight years in prison for ‘espionage', at a one-hour trial which did not conform to international standard's of fairness. According to Roxana Saberi's father, she had made confessions under pressure during her pre-trial detention which were used against her in court. In contrast, the appeal hearing is said to have been conducted in a fair and open manner, although details of the charges against her have not been made public.

More information:
BBC report: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8044193.stm
For the previous WiPC alert see: http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/go/news/iran-american-iranian-journalist-sentenced
Free Roxana Saberi's website: http://freeroxana.net/

***Thank you to all who took action on this case. ***

SENEGAL: PRESIDENT PARDONS EDITOR CONVICTED OF DEFAMATION

SENEGAL: PRESIDENT PARDONS EDITOR CONVICTED OF DEFAMATION

A Senegalese editor who was serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence
for defaming leading government officials has been pardoned, report the
Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Writers in Prison Committee of
International PEN (WiPC) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

El Malick Seck, editor of the Dakar daily "24 Heures Chrono", was freed
eight months into his sentence on 24 April following a Presidential pardon.

Seck was arrested in August 2008 only hours after writing an editorial that
alleged President Wade and his son Karim, a special adviser, were involved
in a money laundering scheme. He was handed a three-year jail term for
offending the head of state, publishing false news and threatening public
order. "24 Heures Chrono" was suspended for three months for the same
offence.

Then on 23 December, Seck was sentenced to a further six months in prison
for defaming Interior Minister Sheikh Tidiane Sy and ordered to pay
US$66,600 in damages.

Seck and his paper are no strangers to government harassment. In yet
another defamation case, Seck and another "24 Heures Chrono" colleague were
sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term sentence, allegedly for
defaming the Ministry of Culture.

According to WiPC, Senegal is one of Africa's worst offenders for
prosecuting journalists on criminal defamation charges, with about 20 such
cases brought against journalists every year. Courts frequently hand down
disproportionate rulings, often consisting of both custodial sentences and
heavy fines. But in the recent past journalists have rarely gone to prison.

President Abdoulaye Wade pledged to repeal criminal penalties for press
offences, including defamation in 2004, but, says WiPC, "the use of
criminal defamation laws against journalists, including those providing for
'insulting the President', appears to have increased in recent years." WiPC
urges the President to review Senegal's defamation laws and fulfil his
promise to decriminalise press offences.

Visit these links:
- Journalist El Malick Seck pardoned (MFWA):
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/102674/
- Editor El Malick Seck released (WiPC): http://tinyurl.com/q3kehw
- Le journaliste El Malick Seck libéré (RSF):
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=30921

From International PEN

SENEGAL: Editor El Malick Seck released

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) welcomes the news that 24 Heures Chrono editor El Malick Seck, who was serving a three-and-a-half year sentence for "offending the head of state" and defaming a government minister, has been released from prison. Seck was reportedly freed on 24 April 2009 following a presidential pardon. The WiPC commends the release but reminds President Wade that Seck has apparently spent eight months in jail for exercising his right to freedom of expression. It urges the President to review Senegal's defamation laws and fulfil his promise to decriminalise press offences.

El Malick Seck, editor of the Dakar daily 24 Heures Chrono, was arrested on 28 August 2008 and sentenced to three years in prison on charges of offending the head of state, publishing false news and threatening public order on 12 September 2008. The charges reportedly stemmed from an editorial that alleged that President Wade and his son Karim, a special adviser, were involved in laundering money stolen from a bank in the Ivory Coast. Seck's arrest followed an attack on the premises of 24 Heures Chrono and another newspaper in mid-August 2008, days after the then Transport Minister Farba Senghor threatened retaliation against the papers for publishing critical stories. Government officials were allegedly involved in the attack.

On 23 December 2008, Seck was sentenced to a further six months in prison for defaming Interior Minister Sheikh Tidiane Sy and ordered to pay approx. US$66,600 in damages. In yet another defamation case against Seck another 24 Heures Chrono journalist by the Ministry of Culture's secretary general, Pape Massène Sène, the two men were each sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term and a FCFA 250,000 fine.

Seck's appeal against the original convection was rejected on 23 February 2009 and the sentence upheld. However, he was reportedly released on 24 April following a presidential pardon. He had spent a total of eight months in prison.

Background

Senegal is one of Africa's worst offenders in terms of criminal defamation prosecutions, with some 20 such cases brought against journalists every year. Courts frequently hand down disproportionate rulings, often consisting of both custodial sentences and heavy fines, although in the recent past journalists have rarely gone to prison.

President Abdoulaye Wade pledged to repeal criminal penalties for press offences, including defamation in 2004, but there has been no progress since. Indeed, the use of criminal defamation laws against journalists, including those providing for ‘insulting the President', appears to have increased in recent years.

For more information, see the WiPC's report Free Expression, Corruption and Criminal Defamation in Africa published in January 2008, available in English or French.

Please send appeals:

Welcoming the presidential pardon and release of El Malick Seck, editor of the Dakar daily 24 Heures Chrono, who was serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence for "offending the head of state" and defaming a government minister;
However, reminding President Wade that Seck has served eight months in jail on convictions that were apparently in violation of his right to freedom of expression, guaranteed by the Senegalese Constitution, as well as by the African Union's African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Senegal is party;
Urging the President to review Senegal's defamation laws and any criminal restrictions on content, in line with his 2004 promise to decriminalise press offences and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa.

Appeals to:

President of the Republic of Senegal
His Excellency President Abdoulaye Wade
Office of the President, Avenue Aoume, Dakar, Republic of Senegal, West Africa
Fax: + 221 33 823 1702
Salutation: Dear President Wade

Please also send appeals to diplomatic representatives of Senegal in your country.
(see http://www.diplomatie.gouv.sn/representations_diplomatiques.php?idsmenu=17&idmenu=4)

***Please send appeals immediately. Check with the WiPC if sending appeals after 8 July 2009.***

Friday, April 17, 2009

MEXICO: Journalist and family threatened

MEXICO: Journalist and family threatened; fears for safety

31 March 2009

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) protests the threats issued against El Diario de los Altos editor Miguel Ángel Casillas in Jalisco State in March 2009. The threats allegedly come from ‘Los Zetas', a paramilitary criminal gang linked to drug traffickers, on behalf of a local politician, after the newspaper was critical of a dam project in the area. The WiPC is calling on the authorities to provide safety measures for Casillas, his family and other journalists at the newspaper and to carry out a full investigation into the threats.

The following is an urgent action alert issued by Amnesty International on 25 March 2009 (see http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR41/017/2009/en/c46b3840-6cb1-46e1-961f-fe4c5af4357a/amr410172009en.html). PEN members are asked to send appeals following the guidance given in the alert as a matter of urgency.

Mexico: Fear for safety: Miguel Angel Casillas Báez (m)
PUBLIC AI Index: AMR 41/017/2009

25 March 2009

UA 82/09 Fear for safety

MEXICO: Miguel Angel Casillas Báez (m), his family and other journalists of the newspaper, Diario de los Altos

Miguel Angel Casillas, editorial director of local newspaper, Diario de los Altos, was threatened on 18 March by a manclaiming to be an official in charge of the Zetas' department (a notoriously criminal organization responsible for hundreds of murders). The threat was made because Miguel Angel Casillas and the newspaper he works for have given critical coverage to a dam development project in el Zapotillo, Los Altos region, Jalisco state.

On 18 March, Miguel Angel Casillas received an anonymous call on his mobile from a mansaying "We know who you are, where you live, where you go, who your family are and we want to know how you are going to cooperate with us" (sabemos quién es usted, sabemos dónde vive, sabemos cómo se mueve, sabemos quién es su familia y queremos saber cómo piensa colaborar con nosotros). The caller insinuated that he was acting on the behalf of a politician who wished to damage Miguel Angel Casillas and added that "from this point on you and your family are at risk" (corre peligro a partir de ahora, usted y su familia).

The day before receiving the anonymous phonecall, Miguel Angel Casillas noticed that both his personal email and that of the newspaper he works for had been hacked. The hackers had left a message stating that "Today the email of the newspaper has been kidnapped. Careful what you publish we don't want to hurt anyone. Regards from Jalisco State Congress, from a friend that likes you a lot and is watching anxiously over you. Rightist Jalisco".(Hoy el secuestro fue del korreo elektonico del medio kuidado kon lo ke publican no keremos lastimar a nadie. Saludos desde el congreso de Jalisco de un amigo que te quiere mucho y te vigila con ansias de encontrarte. Yunque Jalisco)

Miguel Angel Casillas has submitted a official complaint with the Jalisco State Public Prosecutor's Office and the State Human Rights Commission.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The project to build el Zapotillo dam in Jalisco state on the Rio Verde has led to concern among local communities, particularly those of Temacapulín, Palmarejo and Acasico which will be flooded. Despite previous commitments by the state government to consult the public on the project, the Diario de los Altos and local human rights organizations have been critical of the project and the failure of the authorities to consult adequately with local communities or provide reliable and detailed information on impact and compensation packages.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Spanish or your own language:

Calling for safety measure to be provided for Miguel Angel Casillas Báez, his family and other journalists at the Diario de los Altos and for protection measures to be implemented in accordance with their wishes;
Call on the authorities to instigate a thorough, prompt and impartial investigation into the email and telephone threats against Miguel Angel Casillas, including any possible links to local politicians, for the results to be made public and for those responsible to be held to account;
Calling on the authorities to fulfil their obligations under the UN Declaration on the Rights and Responsibilities of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognised Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and ensure that human rights defenders have a right to carry out their activities without any restrictions or fear of reprisals.

APPEALS TO:

Governor of Jalisco

Emilio González Márquez

Gobernador del Estado de Jalisco

Palacio de Gobierno,

Av. Corona No. 31, Planta Baja

Col. Centro

Guadalajara C.P. 44100

Estado de Jalisco

MÉXICO

Fax: (+52 33) 36 48 1601/02

Email: emilio.gonzalez@jalisco.gob.mx

Salutation: Dear Governor/ Señor Gobernador

Attorney General of Jalisco

Lic. Tomás Coronado Olmos

Procurador del Estado de Jalisco

Procuraduría General de Justicia del Estado

Calle 14 no. 2567

Colonia Zona Industrial

Guadalajara, C.P. 44940

Estado de Jalisco

MÉXICO

Salutation: Dear Attorney/ Señor Procurador

Minister of Interior

Lic. Fernando Francisco Gómez-Mont Urueta

Secretaría de Gobernación

Bucareli 99, 1er. piso,

Col. Juárez, Del. Cuauhtémoc,

México D.F., C.P.06600, MEXICO

Fax: +52 55 5093 3414

E-mail: secretario@segob.gob.mx

Salutation: Señor Secretario/Dear Minister

COPIES TO:

Human Rights organization

Instituto Mexicano Para el Desarrollo Comunitario (IMDEC), A.C

A.C. Pino 2237-A, Col. del Fresno, Guadalajara, Jalisco C.P 44900

Mexico

Human Rights Commission of Jalisco

Lic. Felipe de Jesús Álvarez Cibrián, Presidente de la Comisión Estatal de Derechos Humanos de Jalisco,Pedro Moreno No. 1616,Col. Americana, Guadalajara C.P. 44160, Estado de Jalisco,MÉXICO , Fax: (+52 33) 36 69 11 01, Salutation: Dear President/ Señor Presidente

and to diplomatic representatives of Mexico accredited to your country.

***Please send appeals immediately. Check with International PEN if sending appeals after 6 May 2009.***

Visit http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/

PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature

Tickets Going Fast to PEN World Voices Festival Events!‏

PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature

April 27–May 3, 2009
Evolution/Revolution

160 writers from 40 countries gather for 60 events in New York City.

Tickets are already selling out, so purchase yours today!

A stellar line-up of writers from around the globe considers how the world changes and how we change. Don't miss this exciting cross-cultural literary exchange, featuring conversations, performances, readings, film screenings, and a cabaret night.

Festival Highlights

An Afternoon with International Graphic Novelists
Three back-to-back sessions with some of the world's most innovative and cutting-edge graphic novelists, including Neil Gaiman, Yoshihiro Tatsumi, Adrian Tomine, Shaun Tan, David Polonsky, and Emmanuel Guibert. Special offer: attend all three events for $25. >> More

Jazz: The Revolution of Beat
Legendary jazz critic Gary Giddins joins forces with American poets Bill Zavatsky and Jayne Cortez, as well as the Diane Moser Quintet, to explore the birth and life of jazz and how it relates to the written word. Moderated by composer Carman Moore. >> More

Enrique Vila-Matas & Paul Auster in Conversation
For years Enrique Vila-Matas and Paul Auster have been engaged in an extended literary correspondence spanning several continents and languages. Come eavesdrop on their conversation led by Eduardo Lago. >> More

Mark Z. Danielewski and Rick Moody in Conversation
Mark Z. Danielewski—the author of the cult novel House of Leaves as well as Only Revolutions, one of the great American road novels—makes a rare appearance in this conversation with fellow author Rick Moody. >> More

Evolution/Revolution
Don't miss the festival's headlining night, with internationally acclaimed writers Muriel Barbery, Nicole Brossard, Narcís Comadira, Jose Dalisay, Edwidge Danticat, Péter Nádas, Sergio Ramírez, Salman Rushdie, and Raja Shehadeh. >> More

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

Laurie Anderson
Paul Auster
Muriel Barbery
Nicole Brossard
Mark Z. Danielewski
Edwidge Danticat
Richard Ford
Neil Gaiman
Philip Gourevitch
David Grossman
A.M. Homes
Paul Krugman
Nam Le
Walter Mosley
Péter Nádas
Michael Ondaatje
Richard North Patterson
Francine Prose
Lou Reed
Salman Rushdie
Nawal El Saadawi
Hwang Sok-yong
Antonio Tabucchi
Colm Tóibín
Adrian Tomine

>> And many more

PEN American Center
www.pen.org

Grievance against All India PEN Center

Grievance against All India PEN Center
West Bengal PEN chapter of All India PEN center expresses it's grievance against All India PEN center, Mumbai, and this grievance had been brought to the attention of International PEN, secretariat, London on last 11 february 2009.But there is nobody to answer till today.
Our grievances:
We can trace back the legal participation of West Bengal PEN Unit as active and participated in the International PEN congress Buenos Aires , Argentina 1936, since then many personalities were active and worked for all India PEN center of International PEN.

But somehow for last two decades, All India PEN center is avoiding west Bengal chapter mysteriously . India is big country, from All India PEN center, Mumbai to Kolkata , West Bengal is about 2000 KM distance, it is not possible to keep contact traveling physically, The center do not answer postal letters or emails.
We understand the evil design of suppressing a community of writers are also in International PEN and other centers, otherwise we do not see any reason to avoid West Bengal, not only all India PEN center but it reflects also on International PEN, London.We doubt such ill intention is dangerous for writers community all world wide.
We wrote a mail begging an advice on 11 feb 2009 to International PEN that what we should do please direct us, but it seemed they are discouraging us from joining .
West Bengal PEN has more than 100 members, 60 life members, and every Wednesday in the afternoon a regular meeting on literature.
We demand an independent center of International PEN in West Bengal. And a recgnition with full support

We are waiting to hear from any PEN center and International PEN.

This is posted by Albert Ashok on behalf of PEN West Bengal, kolkata
email penkolkata@yahoo.co.in

-----------------------------------------------------
The following document we sent to All India PEN center and to International pen on last 11 Feb 2009 we have no response

----------------------------------------------------------------

International PEN

Frank Geary
International Programmes Director
International PEN
Brownlow House
50 / 51 High Holborn
LONDON WC1V 6ER
Tel: +44 207 4050338
Fax: +44 207 4050339

Dear Frank Geary and all,

Thank you for your reply on behalf of ‘International PEN’ , International PEN
Brownlow House, 50 / 51 High Holborn, LONDON WC1V 6ER.

From our Part, West Bengal chapter of All India PEN Centre, first we express our solidarity with international community of writers that is International PEN, London. Our due respect to everybody hold position in International PEN, and Indian Pen Center( we are sending same copy to Indian PEN center also)

You told us to liaise All India PEN Centre, Mumbai, which is about 2000 KM away from kolkata, and I am not sure how many members are actively working there and who are responsible for disconnecting the link with west Bengal Chapter, and what is their motive/ plan to avoid writers in P E N in west Bengal chapter which started in early stage of all Indian PEN in 1933. It’s a record.

You can not deny the history and involvement of West Bengal PEN chapter. Now, I can give you the proof in electronic medium that Mr. Ranjit Hoskote, the secretary of All India PEN Centre , is acting somewhat strangely, all he is doing is avoiding us, You ask him why? I understand error is human nature, but planned error is gross offence. I do not know How the International PEN looks into such matters.

We have been writing to Mumbai for last decades but they never cared for us. And we are really very much offended and frustrated . I myself have taken the initiatives to connect All India PEN Centre and bridge between west and east, what is the result you will find in this mail. And you insist to liaise with All India PEN Centre, do you think Mr. Ranjit Hoskote will answer! 15 mails I sent to Ranjit Hoskote and 3 mails sent to Sampurna Chatterjee. I donot know who she is in PEN except as a member, still I wrote her if there is any communication we can build up. Most mails were cc to Caroline M. the executive director of International PEN.

We are eager to know What International PEN thinks about West Bengal chapter which has more than 200 writers officially and their future as PEN member. The reply is very much Important to us. We see Mumbai, All India PEN Centre has violated the PEN charter ( last paragraph) already. Our humble request is please, do not put Mumbai and Kolkata in any embarrassment and enmity. Mumbai Pen center , Mr. Ranjit Hoskote already told us to create our own independent Pen Center, We also want West Bengal as independent PEN center and a member center of International PEN center.

We do not know whom to ask/ address, how to ask and what is the procedure, so, anybody in International PEN help us sooth our wound. It is quite a humiliation to us , you push to all India PEN center and All India PEN Center is denying its liability. What is it ? Is it the community that defends Freedom of Expression and a solidarity with world writers? we are not beggars that we want money, we are writers and cherish a solidarity with writers association which we think is in International PEN. We pray international PEN will understand our problem, the underlying frustration, and the frustration other writers group or individuals are undergoing in other countries.

In the beginning, in thirties, when Mrs. Sophy Wadia started All India Pen Center, West Bengal was a Chapter, we had communications, we had journals, it was nice. And this communication ( through postal document) lasted till Nissim EZikiel The famous poet was general secretary. I do not know when exactly Mumbai, All India PEN Center had stopped the communication with West Bengal. I don’t blame any body in Indian PEN center in Mumbai. Blaming is not our purpose our demand is our status in International PEN, We are not new, a long regular organized body and actively promoting literature in the state and neighbouring states and following ideal of International pen.

Now , its going to be decades that we have no communications, till it is 17 july 2007 when Caroline McCormick, Executive Director International PEN, forwarded my mail to Ranjit Hoskote, he replied.

(We understand, everyone who run voluntary organizations have their own families and other responsibilities, sometime they can not communicate due to such pressure. West Bengal chapter had sent many postal document since Nineties, but we did not hear one response from it. As a main center Mumbai , all India PEN Center , never followed its responsibilities, and it has been reflected when Ranjit Hoskote , secretary , All India Pen Center replied my mail in july 2007. )

Ranjit Hoskote feigned he was completely unaware of West Bengal Chapter. Read below Ranjit Wrote me on 17 July 2007:

Dear Albert Ashok,

Caroline McCormick of International PEN has forwarded us your recent emails -- we would be happy to initiate a dialogue with you on the subject of membership of the PEN All-India Centre (I will add your email address to our e-mailing list in any case, to keep you updated on our events: we hold an average of two readings/ lectures/ discussions a month; sometimes three or even four).

Please write to me with the following details about your group, and we can take the dialogue forward:

1. When was your group founded?
2. How many members do you have?
3. What is the periodicity of your meetings?
4. Do you already have an administrative structure; or
have you preserved a refreshing informality?
5. Do you have a journal, or any other publication?
6. We would be very interested in the profile of your
members -- are they young writers, published authors,
literary activists?

Details of this nature would help us enormously to
help you.

With best regards,
Ranjit Hoskote

Then he admits our existence in his second mail:

Thursday, 19 July, 2007 9:16 PM

Dear Albert,

I am very glad that you have established a line of communication with us. I have to say that -- to the best of my knowledge; it is possible that some papers are missing -- we have not found any previous communication from you.

And tell me, have you had no contact, in all these years, with the West Bengal Branch of the PEN All-India Centre? Our President, Annada Sankar Ray, used to preside over its periodic meetings; but he passed away some years ago, at a very advanced age, and we have subsequently had no communication from the West Bengal Branch either.

Do write again with more details, and let us take this forward. And please convey my warm personal regards to Sunil-da.

With very best wishes,
Ranjit

His mail encouraged us , we thought a long and suspended frustration had got an end. But soon we have understood that we should have an independent center, we should not oil them anymore. Mumbai center do not like west Bengal chapter , They will be neglecting us and we shall be complaining against it -- its an embarrassing situation. I sent Ranjit 15 mails since then , he wrote me only 4 mails, two mail are above and two mails below as it is.

He expressed what suited him.

Dear Albert Ashok,
Thank you for your email and for the link to your post. Since you have copied your mail to a wide array of recipients, I have addressed this response to them as well -- and apologise to those on the list who might quite justifiably regard this exchange as unsolicited mail.

We at the PEN All-India Centre, located in Bombay, have recently begun to sort through our large collection of files -- including records, correspondence, and PEN All-India Centre annual conference proceedings -- which date back to the early 1930s. An American researcher, who is working towards a PhD in the area of late-colonial Indian history, has offered us invaluable support in this endeavour. She regards our material as vital and even impressive: an opinion that vindicates the constancy with which we have held on to our files through the vagaries of shifting, lack of financial support, and other difficulties.

With some luck, time and support, we should soon be able to organise them into a proper and coherent archive -- this would go a long way towards addressing the lacunae that you have indicated in your post.

While many of the details that you have put together in your post are common knowledge to PEN members in Bombay, Lucknow, Chennai and elsewhere, I can well imagine how you must feel to be so cut away from this lineage in the West Bengal Branch. I also sympathise with the fact that you have suffered because of a problem of transmission between generations, and perhaps you were not as fortunate as us in Bombay, who have had the privilege of inheriting a clear succession from Madame Sophia Wadia through Nissim Ezekiel and Ramesh Sirkar.

At the same time, I would most collegially request you to avoid a persistent solipsism in your account of your situation -- in your post, and on previous occasions, you have resorted to the suggestion that, since you did not hear from the PEN All-India Centre in Bombay for many years, it is somehow defunct or non-existent. Unfortunately for your line of argument, the PEN All-India Centre is not only alive and well, but has been flourishing. It has rebuilt a network of contacts, exchanges and discussions across India, while also opening up a range of conversations with colleagues and institutions internationally. Given the difficulties that we faced in the late 1990s and the early years of the 21st century, this has been a demanding and onerous, but ultimately productive task.

Since this matter has arisen before, let me re-state my position on it clearly: If you wish to establish your own separate PEN Centre in West Bengal, please do so by all means, and good luck to you.

However, I will add a note of caution that I have refrained from sounding before, despite your repeated provocations: Please establish your Centre on your own merit, and not by trying to discredit the activities of a flourishing literary community in another part of the country, and of individuals who put in an enormous amount of work on a completely voluntary basis to sustain it.

With very best wishes,
Ranjit Hoskote

Secretary-Treasurer
The PEN All-India Centre

Dear Colleagues,

A brief post-script to my previous email; and once again, my apologies to those on this list who might regard exchanges on this topic as intrusions into their e-space.

This is just to set the record straight, since I am offended by Albert Ashok's claim (one he has made before) that the PEN All-India Centre did not respond to his letters and emails, until one was forwarded to us by International PEN.

I have just gone back over my correspondence, and find the very first reference to Albert Ashok in an email from Caroline McCormick, dated 1 July 2007 and forwarding an email written to her by him (in which, of course, he claims to have written to us over a ten-year period with no response). Since this was the first time we were hearing of him and his group, we were naturally interested to know more, and wrote to him at once.

With best wishes,
Ranjit Hoskote

About 2000 KM from Mumbai to Kolkata. It is quite impossible for members to keep in touch with centers. And If anyone wants to avoid the call of members residing faraway then what the members would do? Have international PEN ever looked into such problems?

How many PEN organization in UK? How many in Canada? How many in USA? How many in China? India is big country. 28 states. And number of population is next to china. Take an Indian Map and see where Mumbai is! It is not in the middle of India, it is western part of India.

West Bengal Chapter is very much active in literature and promoting literature to young generation. We have about sixty senior life members, and over hundred young writers and weekly meetings.

Please read carefully , and help us stand on our own legs — an Independent Center of International PEN.

With best wishes

Albert Ashok

Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Following links supports original facts of west Bengal chapter of Indian PEN center.

http://penwestbengal.blogspot.com/2008/09/added-information-all-india-pen-center.html

http://penwestbengal.blogspot.com/2008/09/in-search-of-history-all-indian-pen.html

http://penwestbengal.blogspot.com/2008/04/pen-kolkata-west-bengalindia.html

http://www.penwestbengal.blogspot.com/

http://penreporter.blogspot.com/

Thursday, April 9, 2009

History of PEN in bengali for Bengali People

The current issue of 'Darshak' fortnightly journal

Due to communication and ignorance we
(west Bengal) published an incorrect information
in an article written  by Adhir Ghatak in Darshak
vol. 45 -aug sep 2004,and Pratidin).

Now once again the same journal publishes
The correct History of International Pen and
All India PEN, written by Albert Ashok Those are
interested to read the history of
International PEN and Indian PEN in English
can click the link below

http://penwestbengal.blogspot.com/2008/09/in-search-of-history-all-indian-pen.html

History of PEN in bengali for Bengali People

(Click every fragments of bengali writing image to enlarge . 13 fragments as image have been posted for bengali speaking readers)

1

Support International PEN and all its centers
http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/

Matters posted by Albert Ashok

Sunday, March 29, 2009

English PEN :London Book Fair

The English PEN announces a fascinating programme of events at the English PEN Literary Cafe at this year's London Book Fair, 20th-22nd April at Earl's Court Exhibition Centre.

Thanks to the generous support of HW Fisher & Company and Reed Exhibitions, English PEN will once again be at the heart of this world-class event, hosting author talks in the Café and offering free consultations with specialist authors’ accountants, Barry Kernon and Andrew Subramaniam – see below for more details.

Authors speaking at the Cafe will include William Boyd, Amit Chaudhuri, William Dalrymple, Umberto Eco, Ramachandra Guha, Girish Karnad, Prue Leith, Azar Nafisi, Anita Nair, Andrew O'Hagan, James Patterson, Meg Rosoff and Sarah Waters. The Cafe will also be the venue for major literary events such as the announcement of the Orange Prize shortlist and the presentation of the Hessell-Tiltman Award for History and the Academia Rossica Translation Prize.

Full listings of events at the English PEN Literary Café.

English PEN literary cafe in partnership with the British Council
LBF 2009 will host a Literary Café on the show floor that is sponsored by English PEN. The cafe plays host to a series of author interviews where authors talk about their latest book.
Authors will sign copies of their books in the Foyles Bookshop, part of the Literary Cafe.

English PEN is the founding centre of the worldwide writers' association, working to promote literature as a means of international understanding and intercultural dialogue. Supported by authors, publishers, booksellers and others engaged in the literary business, English PEN runs a year-round programme of campaigns, events, publications and projects to ensure that the value of literature is widely recognised, and that writers enjoy full creative freedom to explore the world around them. To find out more about English PEN, and to see how you can get more involved, visit www.englishpen.org or contact Jonathan Heawood, Director, on jonathan@englishpen.org .

Literary Cafe 2009 Schedule
Monday, 20th April 2009
Time: Title: Additional information:
8.30am-9.30am The Author Breakfast organised by the Booksellers Association
By invitation only

10.00am-10.30am Author of the day - James Patterson
Interviewed by Jonathan Heawood, Director, English PEN

11.00am-11.30am Andrew O'Hagan
Interviewed by Lisa Appignanesi
1.00pm-1.30pm Girish Karnad & UR Ananthamurthy Interviewed by Maya Jaggi (TBC)
2.00p.m.- 2.30p.m. Azar Nafisi
Interviewed by Lisa Appignanesi
3.00pm-3.30pm K Satchidanandan & Amit Chaudhuri Interviewed by Boyd Tonkin (TBC)
4.30pm-5.30pm Silver PEN Publishing Partners reception

Tuesday, 21st April 2009
Time: Title: Additional information:
09.00am-11.00am Orange Prize for Fiction 2009 Shortlist Breakfast
Join Fi Glover, chair of the 2009 judging panel, as she announces the shortlist for this year’s Orange Prize for Fiction.
The Orange Prize for Fiction is the UK’s most prestigious annual book award for fiction written by a woman, celebrating excellence, innovation and accessibility and the best of outstanding international fiction in women’s writing. Click here to register for this event
This form is to register for the Orange Prize and will also grant you access to the London Book Fair.
11.00a.m.-11.30a.m. Umberto Eco interview and book signing Interviewed by Jonathan Heawood, Director, English PEN
11.30a.m.-12.00p.m. Tarun Tejpal Interviewed by Claire Fox
1.30pm-2.00pm Lydia Cacho
Interviewed by Jo Glanville
2.30pm-3.00pm Sarah Waters
Interviewed by Lennie Goodings
3.30pm-4.00pm William Boyd
Interviewed by Danuta Kean
4.00pm-5.00pm TBC
Wednesday, 22nd April 2009
Time: Title Additional information
9.30am-10.30am The Rossica Translation Prize:
This prize is the only in the world for literary translation from Russian into English. It is awarded by Academia Rossica, our Committee include Boyd Tonkin (The independent), Susie Nicklin (British Council), Christopher MacLehose, Amanda Hopkinson (British Centre for Literary Translation) amongst others.
11.00am-11.30am Meg Rosoff
Interviewed by Danuta Kean
12.00pm-12.30pm Author of the day - Prue Leith Interviewed by Jonathan Heawood, Director, English PEN
1.00pm-1.30pm Anita Nair & Javed Akhtar Interviewed by Pablo Mukherjee
2.30pm-3.00pm Ramachandra Guha Interviewed by Patrick French
3.00pm-3.30pm William Dalrymple
Interviewed by Ravi Mirchandani (TBC)

Contact the official PR Agents for The London Book Fair:
Midas Public Relations Limited
7-8 Kendrick Mews
London
SW7 3HG

Contact: Midas Public Relations on:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7584 7474
Fax: +44 (0)20 7584 7123

www.midaspr.co.uk

Market Focus- Indian Exhibitors

Exhibitor Name Stand Number Info

Abhinav Publications T520

Aegean Offset Printers W524

Ajanta Offset & Packagings Ltd X270

Ananda Publishers Private Limited U540

Aptara V535

Association of Publishers in India U475

Bafna Exports V460

Bhavana Books & Prints T470

Bibliophile South Asia U450

BJain Publishers Pvt. Ltd D625

BPB Publications T460

Brijbasi Art Press Ltd D405

Cambridge University Press India Pvt. Ltd. U475

CAPEXIL U450, V480

CBS Publishers N510

Chowdhry Export House V454

D C Books V485

D.K. Agencies (P) Ltd U510

Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd U535

Eastern Book Company U480

Elsevier A Division of Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd. U475

Full Circle Publishing & Hind Pocket Books U450

Galgotias A670

GBS Publishers & Distributors (India) U490

Globex Medicons U450

Gobind Sadan Publications U450

Goodword Books Pvt.Ltd U547

Gopsons Papers Ltd. Q704

Har - Anand Publications Pvt Ltd U545

Hemkunt Press V465

Heritage Impex Worldwide V475

IK International Publishing House Pvt Ltd T500

India Book House Publishing F430

India Trade Promotion Organisation V535

IndiaNIC Infotech Limited Y582

Jayant Printery X507

Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd O480

JJ Offset Printers U460

Kalyani Navyug Media Pvt Ltd U525

Laserwords Private Limited V535

Laxmi Publications (P) Ltd V505

Macmillan India Ltd. U475

Mandira U450

Manipal Press Limited W507

Mapin Publishing Pvt. Ltd. V495

McGraw-Hill Education (India) Pvt ltd U475

Motilal Banarsidass Publishers (P) Ltd U495, U455

Multivista Global Limited T540

National Book Trust, India V482

Navayana Publishing U450, H110

Neelkamal Publications Pvt Ltd W467

New Central Book Agency (P) Ltd. U492

Niyogi Books T510

Nutech Photolithographers W483

Om Books International H205

Outsource Publishing U530

Oxford University Press India U475

Paras Offset Pvt. Ltd V450

Pearson Education (A division of Dorling Kindersley India Pvt. Ltd.) U475

Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd. U475

Prints India V455

Pustak Mahal W477

Rakesh Press K610

Ratna Sagar P.Ltd T492

Red Ink Literary Agency / representations 19o

Replika Press Pvt Ltd U565

Repro India Ltd V655

Research Press U475

Roli Books K700

Rupa & Co T530

SABDA U470

Sahaja Exports International U450

Sahitya Academy T480

Saraswati Printers W457

Springer (India) Private Limited U475

Star Publishers Distributors U497

Sterling Publishers P Ltd C410

TARU - Books & Journals U450

Thomson Press (India) Ltd S555

Thymus Solutions Ltd W479

Total IT Solutions Pvt.Ltd W489

Tulika Publishers V535

UBS Publishers' Distributors Pvt. Ltd U542

Vadehra Art Gallery K610

Veeswa Exports U515

Wisdom Tree U505

WITS Interactive Pvt.Ltd U500

Xact Studio International A564

Zubaan

Tickets to London Book Fair are £25 in advance, or £40 on the door. A limited number of complimentary tickets for LBF are available for English PEN members, who are also invited to a free consultation with leading authors' accountants, Barry Kernon and Andrew Subramaniam of HW Fisher, who specialise in advising authors on tax matters.

To reserve your complimentary ticket to LBF and make your appointment for a free consultation with Barry or Andrew, please contact Amy Oliver on 020 7713 0023, or email amy@englishpen.org .

Barry Kernon acts for a great many authors, journalists and others in the media world, and is an acknowledged expert in the tax treatment of individuals in the creative industries. Barry has been in private practice since 1972, and joined HW Fisher & Company in 2002. He is Honorary Treasurer of both English PEN and the Society of Authors, and is a Trustee of the Poetry Society.

Andrew Subramaniam specialises in advising authors, journalists and musicians. He joined H W Fisher & Company as an audit trainee in 1991. Since qualifying as a chartered accountant he has been promoted rapidly and became a partner in May 2006.

The English PEN Literary Café is at the London Book Fair, Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, London SW5 9TA

Dates: Monday 20th – Wednesday 22nd April 2009
How to Book: visit www.englishpen.org or www.londonbookfair.co.uk /.

Earlier the news about London Book Fair was posted at http://penreporter.blogspot.com/2009/03/london-british-council-indian-authors.html

THE NEWS from International PEN and its centers Published from West Bengal, India

Thursday, July 9, 2009

China: Dissident and literary scholar Liu Xiaobo

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Free the Word! around the world

A global celebration of the best in contemporary writing

MEXICO: Second journalist murdered in Durango state

Please send appeals:

Appeals to:

4 June 2009 - Twenty Years On: Writers Unite

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Letters to the press:

MEXICO: Fears for safety of author Lydia Cacho

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Submissions for 'Context: Asia Pacific'

Coming in Autumn/Winter 2009:PEN International: ‘Context: Asia Pacific'

To contribute work, please contact the editor atmitchell.albert@internationalpen.org.uk.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Festival &Co: Politics and Storytelling

Africa Regional Programme

2008 International PEN funded projects

Education Projects

Library and Community Access projects

Literature and Public Engagement projects

Day of the Imprisoned Writer

International PEN will continue to work with the African PEN Centres in 2009 to develop their programmatic work and capacity

IRAN: American-Iranian journalist released

11 May 2009

RAN 15/09 - Update #2

SENEGAL: Editor El Malick Seck released

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Appeals to:

Friday, April 17, 2009

MEXICO: Journalist and family threatened; fears for safety

31 March 2009

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Sunday, March 29, 2009

MAHASADHAK TANTRACHARYA SHIBCHANDRA BIDYARNAB

Followers

ASIA PACIFIC WRITERS NET WORK

SYDNEY PEN CENTER

let peace have a chance

writers and artists

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P E N news blog

german PEN Center

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P E N Head Office : International writers community

English PEN Center

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Bhalabasa ekhon daou daou shikha published in 2000 Baimela

Ravishing Youth 300 English , Published 1986

Shatabdir Shesh Surjya published 1991

Phire Phire Chai Mukti Ache Kothai (1997

Baruder kabi Ami Ami Barud ,published in 1998 june 08th

Albert Ashok: blog list

Video Bar

Slideshow

Blog Archive

Coming in Autumn/Winter 2009:
PEN International: ‘Context: Asia Pacific'

To contribute work, please contact the editor at
mitchell.albert@internationalpen.org.uk.