Day of the Imprisoned Writer: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Day of the Imprisoned Writer (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Day of the Imprisoned Writer is observed on November 15th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Day of the Imprisoned Writer, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you should know about Day of the Imprisoned Writer.

📅 What day is Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2024?

In 2024, Day of the Imprisoned Writer is on Wednesday, November 15th. It is the 3rd Wednesday in November; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all intriguing details and facts about November 15, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The Day of the Imprisoned Writer, observed annually on November 15, aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by authors and journalists who are subjected to censorship, harassment, and persecution worldwide. In today’s society, censorship has become a growing concern, with government agencies increasingly monitoring their citizens, especially those who oppose the government, expose wrongdoing, or engage in political activism. In some countries, freedom of the press is virtually nonexistent, and journalists working independently risk being arbitrarily arrested. In various parts of the world, human rights organizations and groups dedicated to promoting free speech actively share banned publications and organize events where activists, authors, and journalists discuss the current state of independent media and freedom of expression.

📜 Day of the Imprisoned Writer History

Every year, PEN International selects five writers who have faced persecution or imprisonment by their governments. These writers, hailing from different countries, often engage in reporting or researching stories related to corruption, violent crimes, espionage, police misconduct, and state-sanctioned violence. In 2009, PEN recognized Liu Xiaobo and Natalia Estemirova as part of this list. Tragically, Xiaobo, a dissident writer, passed away in jail in 2017, while Estemirova was abducted and killed in 2009 while investigating war crimes in Chechnya.

In 2018, PEN joined forces with other human rights and free speech organizations to condemn the assassination of writer Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. PEN America’s “Senior Director of Free Expression” urged Saudi authorities to extradite Khashoggi’s killers and hold them accountable for his death. In 2021, PEN will honor Chinese academic Rahile Dawut, UAE human rights lawyer Mohamed Al-Roken, Turkish politician Selahattin Demirtaş, Cuban singer Maykel Osorbo, and the collective case of 12 Eritrean writers who have been imprisoned incommunicado for two decades. PEN International remains committed to supporting poets, playwrights, editors, essayists, and novelists worldwide.

✅ Day of the Imprisoned Writer Facts

🔖 You have a right to information
As per Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every individual is entitled to the freedom of seeking and receiving information, and they also have the right to express their own thoughts and ideas.

🔖 Media as a government mouthpiece
In countries like Eritrea, Turkmenistan, and North Korea, the government tightly controls the media, leaving no room for independent journalism within the country. As a result, all journalists who strive for unbiased reporting are forced to work from outside their home countries.

🔖 The most censored country
Eritrea holds the unfortunate distinction of being the country with the highest level of censorship globally.

👍 Why Is Day of the Imprisoned Writer Important

Every individual has the right to free expression and information. This basic human right must be protected at all costs.

The Day of the Imprisoned Writer sparks debate on suppressed writers and their work. More people become aware of the information that costs others their liberty.

The majority of people are still unaware of the consequences of censorship and how it hurts society. It’s an opportunity to educate our friends, family, and communities about censorship and provide tools to help them battle it.

🙂 How To Observe Day of the Imprisoned Writer

⚡ Reach out
Send a heartfelt letter or a thoughtful note to express your support to a beloved author or journalist who is currently incarcerated. Alternatively, you can also use social media platforms to connect with them and share your thoughts and opinions.

⚡ Stay informed
Continuously seek knowledge and take action to uncover the truth. Be vigilant for activists and journalists facing persecution. Regularly visit whistleblower websites and platforms to stay updated.

⚡ Support PEN International
You can support PEN International by making a donation on their website. Your contributions play a vital role in their efforts to defend freedom of expression, encourage the exchange of literature beyond boundaries, and provide assistance to authors worldwide.

📅 When is Day of the Imprisoned Writer?

Discover all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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