PEN Perth in Perth, Western Australia | Community

PEN Perth

Locality: Perth, Western Australia

Address: 100 ABERDEEN ST 6003 Perth, WA, Australia

Website: http://www.penperth.org

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25.01.2022 Detained HK bookseller escapes to Taiwan and opens a bookshop - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52425350#_=_

24.01.2022 Last week PEN Perth attended the 99th PEN Congress. Here's how it went...

23.01.2022 Were joining together with Centre for Stories to celebrate Human Rights Day. Join us this Tuesday for a free, inclusive and inquisitive look at who we are and why PEN matters.

22.01.2022 Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for our thoughtful, challenging and insightful Spotlight on Zimbabwe. To learn more about PEN Perth, about upcoming events, to get involved with campaigns, and to support our work, please visit our website: penperth.org/join-pen

21.01.2022 Join us tonight for a thoughtful evening of reflection, commentary and learning from the Perth Zimbabwean community on the struggles and triumphs of our Indian Ocean neighbour. Its Spotlight on Zimbabwethe latest in our Spotlight series focusing on responsible freedom of expression in countries experiencing hardship, censorship, and political interference. Well learn about Zimbabwes chequered history of struggle and triumph and its rich tradition of storytelling forged th...rough adversity. WHEN: Tonight, Thursday 7 November WHERE: Centre for Stories, 100 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge WHO: Hosted by Tinashe Jakwa COST: Free! RSVP: centreforstories.com/event/spotlight-on-zimbabwe/

21.01.2022 Were hungry for change and were hungry for carbs. If you feel the same, weve got some good news for you: were proud to be one of the Local Matters jars at Grilld Shafto Lane this month! From today, the bottletop token you receive with your burger purchase can vote for a direct $$$ donation to support PEN Perth. If you care about: The rights of writers... Refugee detention Indigenous incarceration A free and open press Minority languages Celebrating literature You care about PEN International. And PEN Perth is a local chapter of this global community of writers and advocates. We work at the intersection of writing and politics to raise public awareness and encourage a world where writers are free to express themselves, responsibly and respectfully. If youre eating at Grilld, please drop your token into PEN Perths jar. And if youre around and hungry in the City of Perth, consider popping into Grilld to help us raise much-needed funds and awareness for our work.

20.01.2022 Today, on World Children's Day, PEN Perth reflects on the rights of children to access information from diverse sources, engage with media that is enriching to their social and cultural development, and have their linguistic needs considered by the mass media. The tenets of PEN, including advocating for fair media and linguistic rights for minorities does not just extend to adults, but to all people regardless of age, gender, nationality, race or class. Happy World Children's Day!

19.01.2022 EVENT ALERT Join us for PEN Perth's last event of the year - HUMAN WRITES, an exciting night of discussion, poetry writing, and community. Intrigued by the idea of a poetry Secret Santa? This is the event for you. Everyone welcome! Register at the link at our bio.

19.01.2022 Thank you to everyone who attended our discussion this evening. We hope you learned a little more about us and what we stand for and why our work matters. To stay in touch and to learn more, please visit penperth.org, subscribe to our newsletter, or find us on Twitter and Instagram, where we share all of our events and activities. Were also inviting new and lapsed membership renewals for 2020, and encourage anyone who wants to participate in a community of conscious writers fighting for the right to write to consider PEN Perth membership. Thank you for standing with us.

18.01.2022 Congratulations PEN President Emeritus John Ralston Saul who received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Kings College London. https://pen-international.org//former-pen-president-john-r

18.01.2022 Are you curious about our work? Do you want to learn more? And do you want to stand in solidarity with an international community working at the intersection of politics and writing this Human Rights Day? Youre invited to Your Right to Write, Your Right to Speak a new, free and lively discussion about the work and role in Perth of an organisation founded nearly 100 years ago to campaign for writers wrongfully imprisoned. Please join us this Tuesday, 10 December, to have your old questions answered and new ones planted.

17.01.2022 As we continue to hunker down in COVID-19 lockdown #2 let us be reminded of the reality of the current global health environment. Let us each do our bit for the community, and perhaps whilst indoors make use of the extra home time for some reading! Check out the Centre for Stories collection of stories on this very issue : http://ow.ly/qNnD50DpT1p

17.01.2022 Zimbabwe is a country with a chequered history of struggle and triumphand a rich tradition of storytelling forged through adversity. Tomorrow evening, were gathering together with members of the Perth Zimbabwean community for an intimate evening of commentary and readings reflecting on the countrys present and future trajectories and the role of the arts in the ongoing struggle to realise the fruits of independence. Its Spotlight on Zimbabwepart of our series focusing on the contemporary plight of writers, journalists and artists. Spotlight on Zimbabwe is hosted by Zimbabwean-Australian writer and thinker, Tinashe Jakwa, at the Centre for Stories, and is free to attend. RSVP to secure your spot: centreforstories.com/event/spotlight-on-zimbabwe/

16.01.2022 NEW YEAR NEW PEN PERTH!!! We say goodbye to the treacherous year that was 2020 and look with hopeful eyes to 2021. May we continue to work together to advocate for responsible freedom of speech and incite discourse in our community. #freedomofspeech #humanrights #freedom

16.01.2022 Today is the International Day of Democracy - but what does that mean?

16.01.2022 Time to take action. Today, 15 November, is PEN Internationals global day of action for imprisoned writers: the Day of the Imprisoned Writer. PEN Perth joins calls for urgent action to protect writers and journalists worldwide who are under siege for their work, and stand in solidarity with those who have their freedom taken away for speaking truth to power. Each year, PEN highlights the cases of five persecuted writers that are emblematic of the type of threats and attacks... faced by writers and journalists around the world. This week, weve shared stories, backgrounds, and information on how to take action for this years five highlighted writers. Today, join our online efforts to hold authorities to account, show solidarity with imprisoned writers, and join global calls for the right to free, responsible expression. TAKE ACTION FOR NEDIM The Turkish news reporter imprisoned on trumped-up terrorism charges after an unfair trial where 19 witnesses say they were tortured into testifying against him. https://pen-international.org//day-of-the-imprisoned-write TAKE ACTION FOR LYDIA The celebrated Mexican activist and investigative journalist fearing for her life due to threats over her fearless, critical reporting. https://pen-international.org//day-of-the-imprisoned-write TAKE ACTION FOR GALAL The poet and lyricist 16 months into a prison term in a maximum-security prison for song lyrics criticising Egypts military. https://pen-international.org//day-of-the-imprisoned-write TAKE ACTION FOR STELLA The colourful writer, academic and outspoken feminist 11 months into a prison term for her poem criticising Ugandas president. https://pen-international.org//day-of-the-imprisoned-write TAKE ACTION FOR SHAKTIKA The award-winning Sri Lankan poet facing a possible 10-year prison term for a short story. https://pen-international.org//day-of-the-imprisoned-write

14.01.2022 This week is NAIDOC Week, an opportunity to celebrate the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Over the coming days PEN Perth will be spotlighting Aboriginal and Torres Strait poets and authors on our social media. We will also be sharing information about the importance of linguistic rights for ethnic minorities, one of the key pillars of ... PEN International. For more information about NAIDOC week and how you can get involved, check out this article and other resources in our Instagram bio.

14.01.2022 Imprisoned Writer In January 2019, Vietnamese-Australian activist Chau Van Kham was arrested in Vietnam and sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment on charges of ‘terrorism to oppose the government’. His family is getting increasingly worried about his condition, keep a watch on our socials for how you can get involved in this campaign, we will be collecting letter very soon!

13.01.2022 Our friends at the Centre for Stories graciously hosted our Spotlight on Zimbabwe last Thursday night, and theyve just shared host Tinashe Jakwas powerful opening address. Give it a read: centreforstories.com//remarks-spotlight-on-zimbabwe-by-ti/

12.01.2022 Join us to celebrate Human Rights Daywere hosting a free, hour-long chat tomorrow evening sharing stories about the work we do defending writers free, responsible expression. Its Your Right to Write, its a lively discussion with some of Perths leading writers and thinkers, and its learning about issues of expression and authoritarianism that affect us alland what we can do about it. INFO: Centre for Stories, 100 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge... Tuesday, 10 December 2019 6pm - 7pm RSVP: centreforstories.com//your-right-to-write-your-right-to-s/ This is a totally free event, but places are limitedget in now to secure your spot. Learn more about our work defending writers responsible free expression and take action with us on Human Rights Day.

12.01.2022 Chinese journalist and #MeToo movement leader, Sophia Huang Xueqin, was detained on 17 October on charges of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" vague charges often laid against dissidents and activists, which can attract a five-year prison term. We join the global outcry and stand with Free Chinese Feminists and PEN International to call for her immediate release. Xueqin is a leading figure in Chinas #MeToo movement. A survivor of sexual harassment in the workplace..., Xueqin helped many other survivors in China share their experiences, prompting significant policy changes, including national legislation prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace. However, feminist activists like Xueqin have paid a heavy personal price for these reforms. In recent years, Chinese authorities have interrogated, evicted, and imprisoned many members of the feminist community. Authorities suppress feminist advocacy through censorship on social media and intimidation or even assault of supporters. Despite these tremendous risks and restrictions, feminists in China continue to pursue new and creative ways of fighting for gender equality. International solidarity has long been a critical and steadfast source of support for their work. Outside support for Xueqin can improve her treatment while in detention, may help to secure her release, and can protect the Chinese feminist community during a very difficult time by demonstrating to the government that their work is valued by many. At our monthly letter-writing evening, You Are Not Alone, we wrote to Xueqin to express our support and solidarity. Learn more about Xuegins case: https://www.scmp.com//police-detain-chinese-metoo-activist Learn more about PEN Perth and our solidarity work defending responsible freedom of expression: https://penperth.org/

11.01.2022 Were receiving disturbing reports that Iranian authorities are neglecting their domestic and international legal obligations to protect prisoners from contracting COVID19 during this health crisis, centre for human rights in Iran executive director, Hadi Ghaemi, said. Kylie Moore-Gilbert is an Australian citizen who remains imprisoned in Irans notorious Evin Prison. Five cases of #COVID19 have been reported in the prison, which is running out of medicines and supplies. In letters smuggled out of the prison, Kylie says shes been held in solitary confinement, doesnt have enough medicine or supplies, and feels "abandoned and forgotten".

10.01.2022 Tomorrow night. Tell your friends! Bring your mum! Spread the word! Its Human Rights Day and were ready for a chinwag.

08.01.2022 This Friday, 15 November, is PEN Internationals global day of action for imprisoned writers: the Day of the Imprisoned Writer. Each year, PEN highlights the cases of five persecuted writers that are emblematic of the type of threats and attacks faced by writers and journalists around the world. PEN Perth joins calls for urgent action to protect writers and journalists worldwide who are under siege for their work, and stand in solidarity with those who have their freedom ta...ken away for speaking truth to power. Leading up to Friday, well be sharing the stories of the five highlighted writers for whom well be taking action online this Friday. Meet 33-year-old Shaktika Sathkumarathe widely published, award-winning writer and poet, who faces up to 10 years in prison if the Attorney-General decides to press charges over a short story alleged to incite religious hatred. On 1 April 2019, Shaktika was detained pending a police investigation into allegations that his short story Ardha (Half) incited religious hatred. The short story has provoked hostility from Buddhist groups in Sri Lanka. The groups allege that the story is derogatory and defamatory to Buddhism owing to its indirect references to homosexuality within the Buddhist clergy and also due to a different rendering, told by the characters of the short story, of the legendary story of Siddhartha in Buddhist literature. Shaktika maintains that he did not intend to insult Buddhism nor wound the feelings of any religious community in writing his short story, which is written in a post-modernist style. Shaktika spent over 120 days in detention before his release on bail on 8 August 2019. His next hearing before a magistrate is scheduled for 10 December 2019 where he awaits the decision of the Attorney General as to whether formal charges will be filed against him. Having reviewed the content of Shaktikas short story, PEN International does not believe that the story constitutes incitement to violence and thus concludes that he is being targeted solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and calls on the Attorney General of Sri Lanka to drop the case. This Friday, on the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, well be writing to Sri Lankan authorities and to the Sri Lankan ambassadors in our own countries, and posting online about Shaktikas case with #ImprisonedWriter. LEARN MORE ABOUT SHAKTIKA https://pen-international.org//day-of-the-imprisoned-write LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN https://pen-international.org//pen-global-day-for-imprison LEARN MORE ABOUT PEN PERTH https://penperth.org/ TAKE ACTION THIS FRIDAY Join us online at #ImprisonedWriter to shout our solidarity with writers like Shaktika.

07.01.2022 Oodgeroo Noonuccal was the first Aboriginal Australian to publish a book of verse, but alongside her profound accomplishments as a poet, she was also a political activist, artist and educator who championed Aboriginal rights. Today on Remembrance Day it is particularly fitting that we showcase the works of Oodgeroo Noonuccal, as she served as part of the Australian Women's Army Service in WWII. In 1970, she received the award for Member of the Order of the British Empire (Civil) for her service to the community and is remembered today as a leading Australian poet and Indigenous advocate.

07.01.2022 Were concerned and deeply disappointed to hear this newsMaria Resser is a tireless, diligent and highly regarded reporter and editor and a dogged seeker of truth. These unfounded charges should be dismissed, and Maria encouraged to continue speaking truth to power. This week, at our letter writing evening, You Are Not Alone, we wrote letters of solidarity to Maria. To learn more about the ways in which PEN Perth supports incarcerated and under-threat writers, come alone to our free discussion event on Tuesday, 10 December: Your Right to Write, Your Right to Speak. We stand for responsible freedom of expression and protect the rights of writers worldwide.

06.01.2022 TO 2021! We are all so thankful for our members support during 2020 (especially considering our extended COVID-19 hiatus). We are looking forward to the future and have exciting things in mind for 2021. May our good work continue! #freedom #humanrights #freedomofspeech

06.01.2022 To celebrate the release of acclaimed journalist Sophie McNeills new book, We Cant Say We Didnt Know, join us with Sophie for a very special conversation on Thursday, 19 March, at the State Library of Western Australia. Sophie is the Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist who started reporting on major world events as a 15-year-old student on school holidays, covering Timor-Lestes health crisis in 2001. Shes since reported extensively for the ABC, working in plac...es including Afghanistan, Israel, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, Egypt, Turkey and Gaza, and is an independent filmmaker. Sophie grew up in Perth, and comes home for this special event to celebrate her new book. Sophie will speak about the barriers to political justice, despite the fact that we have access to more information than ever. She will look at examples from across the world to think about how ordinary people can change power relations and support human rights. As an audience, well have the chance to ask Sophie questions, and to think through our role as citizens today. Copies of We Cant Say We Didnt Know will be for sale, and Sophie will be available to sign these after the event. Tickets and more information: bit.ly/we-cant-say

05.01.2022 Let's end the year on a high! We have had a couple of good news in the last few months. Both Kylie and Chimengul were confirmed released this year!! As we celebrate the holiday seasons let us also celebrate the successes of our joint efforts.

05.01.2022 This event is happening in three days

03.01.2022 Postcards and prepping for tonightwere looking forward to welcoming you to our lively, free chat sharing more about the work we do and why an international journalists free speech organisation has a chapter in sunny Perth. Please join us. Its Human Rights Day and its the indelible right to democratic participation, to be able to speak truth to power, to express ones views responsibly and respectfully without fear or persecution. Well be talking about PEN International...s work at the intersection of politics and writing and how that fits in here. Heres your info: Centre for Stories, 100 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge Tonight! Tuesday, 10 December 6pm - 7pm RSVP to secure your spot: centreforstories.com//your-right-to-write-your-right-to-s/ See you there!

03.01.2022 Kylies situation in Iran right now is incredibly dire. Shes in a prison in Tehran, Evin Prison, which is a notorious placeits a holding centre run by military and political wing, as opposed to the criminal justice system. Its a place thats renowned for torture, for 24/7 surveillance, for solitary confinement, which is where Kylie is at the moment. Our chair Robert Wood spoke to RTRFM 92.1 this afternoon on the case of Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, The University of Melbourn...e Islamic academic who was imprisoned in Iran on a charge of espionage after presenting at a conference in the country in 2018. Togther with other PEN International chapters and international activists, weve been advocating for Kylies release since her case first came to public attention in September 2019. Weve written letters, linked up with international activists groups, and engaged members of the public. And well continue to fight for Kylie. PEN Perth advocates for for responsible, free expression. We advocate for people like Kylie. Learn more about her case by listening to Robbies interview here, and visit penperth.org for more information about our work.

01.01.2022 I will never go back to that place. I just want to be free of the system, of the process. I just want to be somewhere where I am a person, not just a number, not just a label refugee. Were thrilled, relieved and heartened to hear that journalist Behrouz Boochani has been freed from Australias unjust prison detention regimelanding a free man on the Day of the #ImprisonedWriter. A Kurdish Iranian journalist, Boochani continued working as a journalist at the Manus Island ...detention centre, reporting regularly for international media and leaking investigations into the treatment of refugees imprisoned on the island. He told the Guardian Australia that reporting was his duty as a journalist: I am still a journalist in this place. This is my work, my duty. Thousands more writers and journalists like Boochani languish behind bars; under siege for speaking truth to power. Today, everyday, we stand in solidarity.

01.01.2022 Authoritarianism unchecked can lead to fascism. Fortunately in this country were a long way from that yet, but a study of history amply demonstrates how fascism begins. An important speech this week on the threat of authoritarianism from The Walkley Foundation chair and ABC News veteran, Kerry OBrien. The freedom and independence of our news media is an issue for all of us.

01.01.2022 Abduqadir Jalalidin is one of more than a million Uighurs who have disappeared into China's internment camps. Jalalidin, a prominent poet, writer, and literature professor, has continued writing poetry while imprisoned - his poem 'No Road Back Home' has been snuck beyond the camp gates, and provides a stark look at the realities of life for captive Uighurs under the Chinese state. In times of humanitarian crisis, the role and importance of writers cannot be more stressed, bringing attention and action to vulnerable groups. Read more about Jalalidin and the Uighur crisis at the link in our bio.

01.01.2022 Imprisoned Writer Nazanin Mohammadnejad is a writer who was detained in solitary confinement in Tehran’s Evin prison with little contact with the outside world since her arrest on 9 December 2020. She is considered a prisoner of conscience who has been targeted solely for her critical writings on human rights in Iran, including women’s and worker’s rights. She is currently on bail awating trial. PEN Perth advocates for her freedom and will be following her case closely, keep a watch on our socials for more information on how you can get involved!!