English PEN attacks 'Criminal Memoirs' law

October 2, 2009As part of the English PEN campaign against the Government's proposed new 'Criminal Memoirs' law, we have published a briefing document for parliamentarians and the press.

Download the 'Criminal Memoirs' briefing [2Mb PDF]

The document shows how the proposed law is too broad in its scope, with insufficient safeguards against abuse. Writing by ex-criminals will be subject to permenant scrutiny. Art with a genuine public interest could be threaten by populist campaigns, while vindictive glorification of crime would still be possible.