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.

International PEN Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC)
     
The International PEN WiPC half year caselist – January to June 2009 – records 644 cases in this period of imprisonment, attack and even killings of writers, journalists, and publishers in 98 countries. It includes details of 22 deaths directly attributable to the individual’s work, or whose deaths are suspicious. There are also over 200 writers and journalists serving long sentences in contravention of their rights to freedom of expression and association.