Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2025: PEN International calls for the release of Mohamed Tadjadit (Algeria), Yalqun Rozi (China), Mzia Amaglobeli (Georgia), and Rory Branker (Venezuela).
“Across the world, writers continue to pay a heavy price for speaking truth. Rory Branker, Yalqun Rozi, Mohamed Tadjadit, and Mzia Amaglobeli remind us that words can shake the powerful — and that courage endures even when their freedom is taken away. Their persecution is a wound to justice and humanity itself. We must not rest until they are free.”
– Burhan Sonmez, PEN International President
This Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2025 (15 November-10 December 2025), PEN International highlights four courageous writers targeted for their peaceful expression.
- Mohamed Tadjadit (Algeria), known as “the poet of the Hirak,” has faced repeated arrests and harassment in Algeria for his poetry and activism linked to the 2019 pro-democracy Hirak movement. In January 2025, he was sentenced to one year in prison and faces additional politically motivated charges for his online writings. PEN International calls for his immediate release and the dropping of all charges.
- Yalqun Rozi (China), a Uyghur writer and literary critic in China, is serving a 15-year sentence in Xinjiang for “inciting subversion of state power.” His work promoting Uyghur language and culture, including textbooks and literary publications, has made him a target of systematic cultural repression. PEN International urges the Chinese authorities to release him immediately and end the campaign of cultural erasure in Xinjiang.
- Mzia Amaglobeli (Georgia), journalist and co-founder of independent media outlets, is serving a two-year prison sentence on politically motivated charges following her reporting on human rights violations. She has endured ill-treatment, including a prolonged hunger strike, putting her health at risk. PEN International calls for her immediate release, accountability for abuses, and respect for fundamental rights.
- Rory Branker (Venezuela), journalist, forcibly disappeared for over 200 days and remains arbitrarily detained without access to independent legal counsel. His detention reflects the Venezuelan authorities’ crackdown on independent journalism. PEN International demands his immediate release, disclosure of his whereabouts, and full protection of his rights.
Though differing in context and location, these four cases share a common thread: each writer is being punished for expressing their ideas through their writings. Together, they reveal recurring tactics used by the authorities to silence independent voices, including arbitrary detention or imprisonment, politically motivated charges, denial of legal protections, and harassment or ill-treatment while in custody.
In all cases, the authorities seek not only to punish the individuals but also to intimidate others and suppress the impact of their work. Their persecution highlights the global threats facing writers who challenge authority and the courage required to do so.
PEN International encourages members and supporters to:
- Write messages of hope to the imprisoned writers;
- Send appeals to authorities and diplomatic contacts calling for their release;
- Share their stories on social media to raise awareness;
- Sign petitions supporting their freedom.
Read more about the campaing: https://www.pen-international.org/
