In 1981 International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee launched the first annual Day of the Imprisoned Writer to recognize and support writers who resist repression of the basic human right to freedom of expression. On this day, observed each year on November 15, we are all encouraged to take action on behalf of these courageous writers in the form of donations, letters of appeal, petitions, vigils, or however you chose to act.

This year PEN USA commemorates the day with an online vigil. All day on November 15th, we will post case studies of writers imprisoned around the world. In order to follow us, please join us on Twitter at Penusa and help bring awareness to this dire situation.

If you miss the vigil, visit DOTIW to catch up on the case studies.