Ross Holder
@h0ro.bsky.social
Head of Research, Policy and Advocacy at PEN International | Views own
Reposted by Ross Holder
After Lam Wing-kee was arrested, people would ask him why he stayed in Hong Kong. The bookseller replied: why would I go? Read our obituary
Lam Wing-kee, the bookseller who would not admit defeat
The Hong Kong bookseller died on July 2nd, aged 70
bit.ly
August 3, 2026 at 8:40 PM
After Lam Wing-kee was arrested, people would ask him why he stayed in Hong Kong. The bookseller replied: why would I go? Read our obituary
Reposted by Ross Holder
Completely unacceptable. I’m afraid this is a universal problem, not only because of reduction of Chinese language studies, but because translators and interpreters, in many countries, are not paid very well.
A shortage of translators and interpreters, cull of modern languages at UK universities, cuts to East Asian studies and Chinese specifically at Sheffield Uni ...
Chinese dissident says he was berated by ‘pro-regime’ interpreter for UK police
May 31, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Completely unacceptable. I’m afraid this is a universal problem, not only because of reduction of Chinese language studies, but because translators and interpreters, in many countries, are not paid very well.
Reposted by Ross Holder
PEN Languages of Russia aims to support ‘independent, anti-authoritarian, anti-war literary figures’ writing in the many languages indigenous to Russia — from Avar to Chuvash to Tatar. Find out more in this compelling interview with Dinara Rasuleva & Sergei Lebedev: novayagazeta.eu/en/articles/...
‘We want to make the invisible visible’. A new initiative aims to challenge the dominance of Russian by supporting literature in the country’s numerous indigenous languages — Novaya Gazeta Europe
PEN Languages of Russia, a new initiative co-founded by Russian writer Sergey Lebedev, aims to support "independent, anti-authoritarian, anti-war literary figures" writing in the many languages indige...
novayagazeta.eu
May 22, 2026 at 8:09 AM
PEN Languages of Russia aims to support ‘independent, anti-authoritarian, anti-war literary figures’ writing in the many languages indigenous to Russia — from Avar to Chuvash to Tatar. Find out more in this compelling interview with Dinara Rasuleva & Sergei Lebedev: novayagazeta.eu/en/articles/...
Reposted by Ross Holder
I'm looking for a part-time research assistant to support an externally funded, international project on the instrumentalization of anticolonial discourse in Asia and beyond. remote work OK but needs to be UK based.
durham.taleo.net/careersectio...
durham.taleo.net/careersectio...
Research Assistant/Associate
Click the link provided to see the complete job description.
durham.taleo.net
April 27, 2026 at 2:25 PM
I'm looking for a part-time research assistant to support an externally funded, international project on the instrumentalization of anticolonial discourse in Asia and beyond. remote work OK but needs to be UK based.
durham.taleo.net/careersectio...
durham.taleo.net/careersectio...
Reposted by Ross Holder
🚨 Did you hear about the #UN’s liquidity crisis?
We’ve compiled how it’s already impacting human rights protection — from fewer country visits to delayed reports and reduced monitoring.
👉 Key impacts: https://ow.ly/OZhW50YYn0O
We’ve compiled how it’s already impacting human rights protection — from fewer country visits to delayed reports and reduced monitoring.
👉 Key impacts: https://ow.ly/OZhW50YYn0O
May 13, 2026 at 1:01 PM
🚨 Did you hear about the #UN’s liquidity crisis?
We’ve compiled how it’s already impacting human rights protection — from fewer country visits to delayed reports and reduced monitoring.
👉 Key impacts: https://ow.ly/OZhW50YYn0O
We’ve compiled how it’s already impacting human rights protection — from fewer country visits to delayed reports and reduced monitoring.
👉 Key impacts: https://ow.ly/OZhW50YYn0O
Reposted by Ross Holder
Absent from China’s new reading campaign for books are the things that would make it a truly valuable exercise: open publishing, diverse formats, intellectual risk
Xi Jinping wants China to read more—as long as it’s the right books
A new campaign to put down phones and pick up classics
econ.st
April 27, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Absent from China’s new reading campaign for books are the things that would make it a truly valuable exercise: open publishing, diverse formats, intellectual risk
Reposted by Ross Holder
📣 Today, on World Book Day, we launch Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence.
This year’s Case List highlights 140 persecuted writers worldwide—a stark reminder that freedom of expression is under attack, and solidarity matters more than ever.
www.pen-international.org/case-list-2026
This year’s Case List highlights 140 persecuted writers worldwide—a stark reminder that freedom of expression is under attack, and solidarity matters more than ever.
www.pen-international.org/case-list-2026
Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence - PEN International Case List 2026<br/> — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence - PEN International Case List 2026
www.pen-international.org
April 23, 2026 at 9:25 AM
📣 Today, on World Book Day, we launch Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence.
This year’s Case List highlights 140 persecuted writers worldwide—a stark reminder that freedom of expression is under attack, and solidarity matters more than ever.
www.pen-international.org/case-list-2026
This year’s Case List highlights 140 persecuted writers worldwide—a stark reminder that freedom of expression is under attack, and solidarity matters more than ever.
www.pen-international.org/case-list-2026
Reposted by Ross Holder
Thank you to everyone who joined today’s launch of Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence – PEN International Case List 2026, and to our four contributors.
We heard powerful reflections on solidarity as a lifeline and the many forms it can take across different crises.
We heard powerful reflections on solidarity as a lifeline and the many forms it can take across different crises.
April 23, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Thank you to everyone who joined today’s launch of Writers Under Siege: Defying Silence – PEN International Case List 2026, and to our four contributors.
We heard powerful reflections on solidarity as a lifeline and the many forms it can take across different crises.
We heard powerful reflections on solidarity as a lifeline and the many forms it can take across different crises.
Reposted by Ross Holder
📣 Join us on Thursday, 23 April at 13:00 BST for Voices Freed: International Solidarity in a Time of Global Disorder, an online discussion marking the launch of the 2026 Case List.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/voices-fre...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/voices-fre...
Voices freed: International Solidarity in a Time of Global Disorder
PEN International Case List 2026 launch
www.eventbrite.co.uk
April 15, 2026 at 11:11 AM
📣 Join us on Thursday, 23 April at 13:00 BST for Voices Freed: International Solidarity in a Time of Global Disorder, an online discussion marking the launch of the 2026 Case List.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/voices-fre...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/voices-fre...
Reposted by Ross Holder
⏳ Two weeks left for States to submit their candidacies for the NGO Committee. Regional groups can still ensure competitive elections. #ECOSOC #OpenTheDoors2NGOs
Find out more: https://ishr.ch/campaigns/ngo-committee-elections/
Find out more: https://ishr.ch/campaigns/ngo-committee-elections/
NGO Committee election - ISHR
Imagine a world where the voices of those with clear demands, expertise and solutions come together to fulfil the promise of the UN Charter. In that world,
ishr.ch
March 19, 2026 at 9:58 AM
⏳ Two weeks left for States to submit their candidacies for the NGO Committee. Regional groups can still ensure competitive elections. #ECOSOC #OpenTheDoors2NGOs
Find out more: https://ishr.ch/campaigns/ngo-committee-elections/
Find out more: https://ishr.ch/campaigns/ngo-committee-elections/
Reposted by Ross Holder
✊ PEN Sydney is one of three PEN centres in Australia, and we need your support.
👉 Visit our website to sign up, follow us on social media, and tell your friends and family about our work, publications, and events.
🌏 pen.org.au/join-us/
#australia #sydney #freespeech #auspol
👉 Visit our website to sign up, follow us on social media, and tell your friends and family about our work, publications, and events.
🌏 pen.org.au/join-us/
#australia #sydney #freespeech #auspol
March 19, 2026 at 7:51 AM
✊ PEN Sydney is one of three PEN centres in Australia, and we need your support.
👉 Visit our website to sign up, follow us on social media, and tell your friends and family about our work, publications, and events.
🌏 pen.org.au/join-us/
#australia #sydney #freespeech #auspol
👉 Visit our website to sign up, follow us on social media, and tell your friends and family about our work, publications, and events.
🌏 pen.org.au/join-us/
#australia #sydney #freespeech #auspol
Reposted by Ross Holder
#Philippines: The last remaining charge against writer and Nobel laureate #MariaRessa may soon be dismissed. PEN International welcomes the recommendation that the Supreme Court acquit her in the cyber libel case. www.pen-international.org/news/philipp...
Philippines: PEN International welcomes recommendation to acquit journalist and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa in cyber libel case — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Express...
‘Maria Ressa has shown extraordinary courage in defending independent journalism in the Philippines. The recommendation by the Solicitor General is a significant step toward correcting a case ...
www.pen-international.org
March 16, 2026 at 1:12 PM
#Philippines: The last remaining charge against writer and Nobel laureate #MariaRessa may soon be dismissed. PEN International welcomes the recommendation that the Supreme Court acquit her in the cyber libel case. www.pen-international.org/news/philipp...
Reposted by Ross Holder
#Iran: PEN International condemns all breaches of international law amid escalating hostilities across the Middle East and is gravely concerned by mounting civilian casualties in Iran and across the region.
Read our full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-pe...
Read our full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-pe...
Iran: PEN International calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities that undermine international peace and security law — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression...
‘ We are witnessing grave challenges to world peace and security, with political leaders utterly failing to uphold international law and actively dismantling the rules-based order. The international c...
www.pen-international.org
March 5, 2026 at 6:31 PM
#Iran: PEN International condemns all breaches of international law amid escalating hostilities across the Middle East and is gravely concerned by mounting civilian casualties in Iran and across the region.
Read our full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-pe...
Read our full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-pe...
Reposted by Ross Holder
#China: Writer and PEN member Zan Aizong has been sentenced to three years in prison after taking part in a peaceful memorial for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo.
PEN International calls for his immediate and unconditional release. Full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-p...
PEN International calls for his immediate and unconditional release. Full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-p...
China: PEN International condemns the sentencing of writer and PEN member Zan Aizong to three years in prison — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘The imprisonment of Zan Aizong for peacefully commemorating the life of Liu Xiaobo underscores China’s continued use of vague criminal charges to silence independent writers and erase collective memo...
www.pen-international.org
March 5, 2026 at 1:06 PM
#China: Writer and PEN member Zan Aizong has been sentenced to three years in prison after taking part in a peaceful memorial for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo.
PEN International calls for his immediate and unconditional release. Full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-p...
PEN International calls for his immediate and unconditional release. Full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/china-p...
Reposted by Ross Holder
On #WorldNGODay, we celebrate NGOs advancing human rights and accountability. Their voices must be heard at the UN.
We’ve signed a joint NGO letter urging ECOSOC Member States to back candidates who protect civil society access.
www.pen-international.org/news/interna...
#OpenTheDoors2NGOs
We’ve signed a joint NGO letter urging ECOSOC Member States to back candidates who protect civil society access.
www.pen-international.org/news/interna...
#OpenTheDoors2NGOs
International: Over 80 civil society organisations call for fair elections at UN Committee — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
27 February 2026 : Today, on World NGO Day, PEN International celebrates the vital contributions of NGOs across the globe. From defending the right to freedom of expression to responding to humanitar...
www.pen-international.org
February 27, 2026 at 11:33 AM
On #WorldNGODay, we celebrate NGOs advancing human rights and accountability. Their voices must be heard at the UN.
We’ve signed a joint NGO letter urging ECOSOC Member States to back candidates who protect civil society access.
www.pen-international.org/news/interna...
#OpenTheDoors2NGOs
We’ve signed a joint NGO letter urging ECOSOC Member States to back candidates who protect civil society access.
www.pen-international.org/news/interna...
#OpenTheDoors2NGOs
Reposted by Ross Holder
This week one Russian newspaper referred to “the machine of persecution & punishment” in Russia. “Everything that a few months ago was not just legal, but natural, is being criminalised.” Plus: “the bomb that destroyed the Stalin myth.” #ReadingRussia
Russian newspaper refers to "“the machine of persecution & punishment” in today's Russia
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
February 27, 2026 at 10:31 AM
This week one Russian newspaper referred to “the machine of persecution & punishment” in Russia. “Everything that a few months ago was not just legal, but natural, is being criminalised.” Plus: “the bomb that destroyed the Stalin myth.” #ReadingRussia
Reposted by Ross Holder
#UK: We join @indexoncensorship.org and others in urging the UK government to ensure the BBC World Service has the funding it needs to continue its vital work across the globe. Read our joint letter 🔽 www.pen-international.org/news/open-le...
Open letter calling on the UK government to protect BBC World Service funding — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
23 February 2026: PEN International has joined a coalition of media freedom and journalist organisations in an open letter calling on the UK Government to urgently secure and sustain funding for the...
www.pen-international.org
February 23, 2026 at 1:56 PM
#UK: We join @indexoncensorship.org and others in urging the UK government to ensure the BBC World Service has the funding it needs to continue its vital work across the globe. Read our joint letter 🔽 www.pen-international.org/news/open-le...
Reposted by Ross Holder
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has dropped a criminal defamation case against Australian writer Murray Hunter in Thailand.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
February 16, 2026 at 11:02 PM
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has dropped a criminal defamation case against Australian writer Murray Hunter in Thailand.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Reposted by Ross Holder
We’ve opened applications for two short residencies for writers in the UK who are currently experiencing displacement.
Find out more and apply ⤵️
www.englishpen.org/posts/not-ra...
Find out more and apply ⤵️
www.englishpen.org/posts/not-ra...
Open call: two five-day residencies for writers experiencing displacement to the UK - News & Events - English PEN
English PEN open call: two five-day residencies for writers experiencing displacement to the UK
www.englishpen.org
February 10, 2026 at 3:24 PM
We’ve opened applications for two short residencies for writers in the UK who are currently experiencing displacement.
Find out more and apply ⤵️
www.englishpen.org/posts/not-ra...
Find out more and apply ⤵️
www.englishpen.org/posts/not-ra...
Reposted by Ross Holder
Malaysia-Thailand: Criminal defamation charges against writer #MurrayHunter have been withdrawn in Thailand following a settlement with Malaysia’s MCMC. His passport has been returned and his Substack restored. ‘I have the freedom to write again'. www.pen-international.org/news/malaysi...
Malaysia-Thailand: Australian writer Murray Hunter targeted in act of transnational repression — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘ As the current ASEAN Chair, the Malaysian government has a responsibility to demonstrate its commitment to human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, across the region. Instead, it ...
www.pen-international.org
February 16, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Malaysia-Thailand: Criminal defamation charges against writer #MurrayHunter have been withdrawn in Thailand following a settlement with Malaysia’s MCMC. His passport has been returned and his Substack restored. ‘I have the freedom to write again'. www.pen-international.org/news/malaysi...
Reposted by Ross Holder
🔴Update: The Chengdu City Public Security Bureau released #LiuHu and #WuYingjiao on bail today, according to a notice issued by the bureau’s Jinjiang District branch, which stated that the investigation is ongoing.
February 14, 2026 at 4:35 PM
🔴Update: The Chengdu City Public Security Bureau released #LiuHu and #WuYingjiao on bail today, according to a notice issued by the bureau’s Jinjiang District branch, which stated that the investigation is ongoing.
Reposted by Ross Holder
Hong Kong’s once-vibrant press stays silent or celebrates Jimmy Lai’s 20-year jail sentence
Hong Kong’s once-vibrant press stays silent or celebrates Jimmy Lai’s 20-year jail sentence
Lack of response shows security law and harassment by authorities have muzzled ‘critical voices’, say experts
*
The rise and fall of Jimmy Lai, whose trajectory mirrored that of Hong Kong itself
Hong Kong’s once-vibrant media outlets have responded with silence or celebration to the 20-year jail sentence handed down to Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media tycoon and critic of the Chinese Communist party.
Lai, 78, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison after being convicted of sedition and colluding with foreign forces under Hong Kong’s national security law. The charges were widely seen as being politically motivated and designed to silence one of Hong Kong’s most influential pro-democracy campaigners. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:32 PM
Hong Kong’s once-vibrant press stays silent or celebrates Jimmy Lai’s 20-year jail sentence
Reposted by Ross Holder
China – Hong Kong: A 20-year sentence for #JimmyLai is a chilling act of repression. At 78, after years in solitary confinement and with failing health, this punishment is cruel and unjust. PEN International calls for his immediate release. www.pen-international.org/news/china-h...
China – Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison in a devastating blow to freedom of expression — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘Sentencing Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison is an act of profound cruelty. It is a punishment intended not only to silence one man, but to extinguish independent journalism from Hong Kong. Given Jimmy...
www.pen-international.org
February 9, 2026 at 4:58 PM
China – Hong Kong: A 20-year sentence for #JimmyLai is a chilling act of repression. At 78, after years in solitary confinement and with failing health, this punishment is cruel and unjust. PEN International calls for his immediate release. www.pen-international.org/news/china-h...
Reposted by Ross Holder
Jimmy Lai:
Response from his children, Sebastien & Claire, & from the international legal team to this predictable but nonetheless disgraceful sentence.
Press queries: see contact details here & please direct queries through them. Thank you.
Response from his children, Sebastien & Claire, & from the international legal team to this predictable but nonetheless disgraceful sentence.
Press queries: see contact details here & please direct queries through them. Thank you.
February 9, 2026 at 7:21 AM
Jimmy Lai:
Response from his children, Sebastien & Claire, & from the international legal team to this predictable but nonetheless disgraceful sentence.
Press queries: see contact details here & please direct queries through them. Thank you.
Response from his children, Sebastien & Claire, & from the international legal team to this predictable but nonetheless disgraceful sentence.
Press queries: see contact details here & please direct queries through them. Thank you.
Reposted by Ross Holder
“It has been one year since anyone saw Hada, a Mongolian writer, bookseller, and activist who was disappeared from his hospital bed on February 6, 2025,” writes Erika Nguyen. He is one of many writers who have suffered under the constant repression by the Chinese state. More: pen.org/mongolian-wr...
February 6, 2026 at 11:14 PM
“It has been one year since anyone saw Hada, a Mongolian writer, bookseller, and activist who was disappeared from his hospital bed on February 6, 2025,” writes Erika Nguyen. He is one of many writers who have suffered under the constant repression by the Chinese state. More: pen.org/mongolian-wr...