The Obligation of the Intellectual to Challenge Authority

PEN International, a worldwide association of writers, presented its 2022 CASE LIST, which documents 115 cases of writers facing harassment, arrest, violence and even death. This episode is a recording of an online panel of writers and activists discussing the situation surrounding freedom of expression globally, on the occasion of the publication of the 2022 Case list. The discussion focuses on cases in Ukraine under Russian attack, Egypt, Myanmar, and Nicaragua. Participants include Ma Thida (writer, activist from Myanmar, and Chair of PEN International’s Writers in Prison Committee), Ahdaf Soueif (writer and activist from Egypt), Volodymyr Yermolenko (philosopher, essayist, editor in chief of UkraineWorld, and President of PEN Ukraine), and Gioconda Belli (Nicaraguan poet and activist). The event was moderated by Tanja Tuma, PEN International Board Member and President of PEN Slovenia. It was held on March 21st. 2022 Case list: https://www.pen-international.org/news/impunity-reigns-writers-resist-pen-international-case-list-2022