@penbelarus.bsky.social
On 16 September 2026, through the mediation of John Coale, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Belarus, 25 political prisoners were released and forcibly taken to Lithuania. Among them were three Imprisoned Writers: Andrej Alaksandraŭ, Dzmitryj Hałavač, and Zmicier Kołas.
Three Imprisoned Writers Are Free! – PEN Belarus
On 16 September 2026, through the mediation of John Coale, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Belarus, 25 political prisoners were released and forcibly taken to Lithuania. Among them were three I...
penbelarus.org
September 16, 2026 at 3:21 PM
On 16 September 2026, through the mediation of John Coale, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Belarus, 25 political prisoners were released and forcibly taken to Lithuania. Among them were three Imprisoned Writers: Andrej Alaksandraŭ, Dzmitryj Hałavač, and Zmicier Kołas.
Reposted
Today, we launch #ProofOfLife, a global campaign demanding answers for 12 Eritrean writers and journalists who have been forcibly disappeared for 25 years. Enforced disappearance is torture. The silence must end. We demand proof of life now. #Free12Eritreans www.pen-international.org/proof-of-lif...
25 Years Disappeared: Proof of Life Now — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
Join PEN International, PEN Eritrea in Exile and PEN Centres worldwide in demanding proof of life for Eritrea's disappeared journalists and writers.
www.pen-international.org
June 26, 2026 at 10:17 AM
Today, we launch #ProofOfLife, a global campaign demanding answers for 12 Eritrean writers and journalists who have been forcibly disappeared for 25 years. Enforced disappearance is torture. The silence must end. We demand proof of life now. #Free12Eritreans www.pen-international.org/proof-of-lif...
☄️ New report out! ☄️
In early 2026, politically motivated persecution of Belarusian cultural figures persisted. Cultural activity, particularly literary work, continued to be criminalised.
Help us spread the word! Share this report to keep the voices of Belarusian culture alive.
In early 2026, politically motivated persecution of Belarusian cultural figures persisted. Cultural activity, particularly literary work, continued to be criminalised.
Help us spread the word! Share this report to keep the voices of Belarusian culture alive.
Monitoring of violations of cultural rights and human rights of cultural figures. Belarus, January – March 2026 – PEN Belarus
This report draws on data collected by the PEN Belarus monitoring group from open sources, individual contacts, and personal meetings with cultural figures. The information reflects the situation at t...
penbelarus.org
May 18, 2026 at 12:37 PM
☄️ New report out! ☄️
In early 2026, politically motivated persecution of Belarusian cultural figures persisted. Cultural activity, particularly literary work, continued to be criminalised.
Help us spread the word! Share this report to keep the voices of Belarusian culture alive.
In early 2026, politically motivated persecution of Belarusian cultural figures persisted. Cultural activity, particularly literary work, continued to be criminalised.
Help us spread the word! Share this report to keep the voices of Belarusian culture alive.
Reposted
Day 73 / Poem 73: беларускі / Belarusian
Taciana Niadbaj: Mama, all my friends are criminals
@penbelarus.bsky.social
Belarus is one of the few states that actively undermines its own language: education in Belarusian is discouraged, and only a minority study in it
youtu.be/qu76EfpmmzE?...
Taciana Niadbaj: Mama, all my friends are criminals
@penbelarus.bsky.social
Belarus is one of the few states that actively undermines its own language: education in Belarusian is discouraged, and only a minority study in it
youtu.be/qu76EfpmmzE?...
Taciana Niadbaj: mama, all my friends... Таццяна Нядбай: мама, мае сябры- Belarusian - PEN Belarus
YouTube video by Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee of PI
youtu.be
May 4, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Day 73 / Poem 73: беларускі / Belarusian
Taciana Niadbaj: Mama, all my friends are criminals
@penbelarus.bsky.social
Belarus is one of the few states that actively undermines its own language: education in Belarusian is discouraged, and only a minority study in it
youtu.be/qu76EfpmmzE?...
Taciana Niadbaj: Mama, all my friends are criminals
@penbelarus.bsky.social
Belarus is one of the few states that actively undermines its own language: education in Belarusian is discouraged, and only a minority study in it
youtu.be/qu76EfpmmzE?...
Andrzej Poczobut is free!
📣 Update: #Belarus: We welcome the long-awaited release of Belarusian-Polish writer and journalist Andrzej Poczobut as part of a prisoner swap, and urge an end to the repression.
#FreeThemAll
nashaniva.com/en/383378
#FreeThemAll
nashaniva.com/en/383378
Andrei Pachobut exchanged for Lukashenka's spies arrested in Poland
nashaniva.com
April 29, 2026 at 6:24 AM
Andrzej Poczobut is free!
We call on human rights defenders and civil society organizations in different countries to show solidarity with the Belarusian human rights movement.
Statement by the Human Rights Coalition regarding the designation of PEN Belarus, Human Constanta, and the Belarusian Helsinki Committee as extremist formations – PEN Belarus
In light of the intensifying practice of designating Belarusian human rights organizations as extremist formations, we, a coalition of Belarusian and international human rights organizations, state th...
penbelarus.org
April 15, 2026 at 9:34 AM
We call on human rights defenders and civil society organizations in different countries to show solidarity with the Belarusian human rights movement.
Reposted
#Belarus: PEN members have actively campaigned for the release of Kaciaryna Andrejeva and Valeryja Kaściuhova. While we rejoice at their freedom, we condemn the authorities’ relentless campaign of repression. #FreeThemAll
Read the full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/belarus...
Read the full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/belarus...
Belarus: Immediately release all those still unjustly imprisoned — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
‘PEN members around the world have actively campaigned for the release of Kaciaryna Andrejeva and Valeryja Kaściuhova. While we rejoice at their freedom, we vehemently condemn the Belarusian authoriti...
www.pen-international.org
March 24, 2026 at 10:39 AM
#Belarus: PEN members have actively campaigned for the release of Kaciaryna Andrejeva and Valeryja Kaściuhova. While we rejoice at their freedom, we condemn the authorities’ relentless campaign of repression. #FreeThemAll
Read the full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/belarus...
Read the full statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/belarus...
Reposted
#Belarus: We vehemently condemn the authorities’ decision to criminalise the activities of @penbelarus.bsky.social and scores of publishers amid an ever-growing crackdown on the cultural sector. #StandWithBelarus
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/belarus...
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/belarus...
Belarus: PEN Belarus labelled ‘extremist’ amid systematic crackdown on cultural rights — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
www.pen-international.org
March 12, 2026 at 10:56 AM
#Belarus: We vehemently condemn the authorities’ decision to criminalise the activities of @penbelarus.bsky.social and scores of publishers amid an ever-growing crackdown on the cultural sector. #StandWithBelarus
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/belarus...
Read our statement ⬇️
www.pen-international.org/news/belarus...
Reposted
PEN America strongly condemns the Belarusian authorities’ designation of @penbelarus.bsky.social as an “extremist organization.” The move is a dangerous escalation in the government’s ongoing assault on free expression and Belarusian culture independent of state control.
pen.org/press-releas...
pen.org/press-releas...
March 9, 2026 at 10:14 PM
PEN America strongly condemns the Belarusian authorities’ designation of @penbelarus.bsky.social as an “extremist organization.” The move is a dangerous escalation in the government’s ongoing assault on free expression and Belarusian culture independent of state control.
pen.org/press-releas...
pen.org/press-releas...
#InternationalWomenDay: Imagine being behind bars just for being a woman who writes and speaks out. The Belarusian authorities must release #ValeryjaKaściuhova immediately and unconditionally and ensure she has access to medical care while detained. Stand with her today. #IWD26
International Women’s Day 2026: Take Action for Valeryja Kaściuhova (Belarus) – PEN Belarus
8 March 2026: Writer, editor and political scientist Valeryja Kaściuhova is serving a 10-year prison sentence in Homel, Belarus. Arrested in June 2021, she was convicted in March 2023 on politically m...
penbelarus.org
March 8, 2026 at 10:25 AM
#InternationalWomenDay: Imagine being behind bars just for being a woman who writes and speaks out. The Belarusian authorities must release #ValeryjaKaściuhova immediately and unconditionally and ensure she has access to medical care while detained. Stand with her today. #IWD26
Reposted
#Belarus: PEN International condemns the authorities’ decision to declare PEN Belarus an ‘extremist formation’, which carries the risk of criminal prosecution. We stand in full solidarity with colleagues in their mission to uphold free expression and cultural rights.
penbelarus.org/en/2026/03/0...
penbelarus.org/en/2026/03/0...
PEN Belarus Designated an “Extremist Formation”! – PEN Belarus
Friends, On February 27, 2026, the KGB designated us an “extremist formation.” What does this mean? If you are in Belarus, travel to Belarus, or feel that you may be at risk for any reason: unsubscrib...
penbelarus.org
March 6, 2026 at 11:31 AM
#Belarus: PEN International condemns the authorities’ decision to declare PEN Belarus an ‘extremist formation’, which carries the risk of criminal prosecution. We stand in full solidarity with colleagues in their mission to uphold free expression and cultural rights.
penbelarus.org/en/2026/03/0...
penbelarus.org/en/2026/03/0...
March 3 – World Writers’ Day.
On this day, we want to draw attention to the systematic practice of confiscating and destroying the literary manuscripts and letters of those imprisoned on politically motivated grounds.
❤️🩹 Share our statement!
On this day, we want to draw attention to the systematic practice of confiscating and destroying the literary manuscripts and letters of those imprisoned on politically motivated grounds.
❤️🩹 Share our statement!
Belarus: Statement on the systematic confiscation and destruction of manuscripts by prison authorities – PEN Belarus
In Belarus, prison authorities systematically confiscate and destroy the literary manuscripts and letters of those imprisoned on politically motivated grounds. Their aim is not only to silence individ...
penbelarus.org
March 3, 2026 at 10:20 AM
March 3 – World Writers’ Day.
On this day, we want to draw attention to the systematic practice of confiscating and destroying the literary manuscripts and letters of those imprisoned on politically motivated grounds.
❤️🩹 Share our statement!
On this day, we want to draw attention to the systematic practice of confiscating and destroying the literary manuscripts and letters of those imprisoned on politically motivated grounds.
❤️🩹 Share our statement!
Reposted
#Belarus: 1435 instances of human rights violations against cultural figures documented by @penbelarus.bsky.social in 2025. We continue to urge accountability and unfettered support for Belarusian culture. Read and share widely: penbelarus.org/en/2026/02/1...
Monitoring of violations of cultural rights and human rights of cultural figures. Belarus, 2025 – PEN Belarus
This report has been prepared based on consolidated information collected by PEN Belarus’ monitoring group from open sources, through personal contacts, and via direct communication with cultural figu...
penbelarus.org
February 23, 2026 at 10:32 AM
#Belarus: 1435 instances of human rights violations against cultural figures documented by @penbelarus.bsky.social in 2025. We continue to urge accountability and unfettered support for Belarusian culture. Read and share widely: penbelarus.org/en/2026/02/1...
52 new books have been banned in Belarus.
The list also included the book by Darota Michaluk “The Belarusian People’s Republic, 1918–1920: At the Origins of Belarusian Statehood.” Books on Belarusian history whose content does not align with the regime’s Russia-oriented policy are often banned.
The list also included the book by Darota Michaluk “The Belarusian People’s Republic, 1918–1920: At the Origins of Belarusian Statehood.” Books on Belarusian history whose content does not align with the regime’s Russia-oriented policy are often banned.
29.12.25. 52 new books added to the official list of those “harmful to national interests” – Belarus. Banned Books
On December 29, 2025, 52 new books were added to the list of printed publications that, according to the authorities, “may harm the national interests of the Republic of Belarus”: Our Neighbours on th...
bannedbooks.penbelarus.org
December 30, 2025 at 1:02 PM
52 new books have been banned in Belarus.
The list also included the book by Darota Michaluk “The Belarusian People’s Republic, 1918–1920: At the Origins of Belarusian Statehood.” Books on Belarusian history whose content does not align with the regime’s Russia-oriented policy are often banned.
The list also included the book by Darota Michaluk “The Belarusian People’s Republic, 1918–1920: At the Origins of Belarusian Statehood.” Books on Belarusian history whose content does not align with the regime’s Russia-oriented policy are often banned.
A new analytical report dedicated to artistic freedom and the protection of cultural diversity has been published on the PEN Belarus website.
We have gathered several examples of how artistic and cultural activities can become central elements in criminal charges.
We have gathered several examples of how artistic and cultural activities can become central elements in criminal charges.
Belarus: Persecution for Artistic Expression – PEN Belarus
INTRODUCTION Artistic freedom and protection of cultural diversity Artistic freedom [1] is the freedom to imagine, create and distribute diverse cultural expressions free of governmental censorship, p...
penbelarus.org
December 5, 2025 at 11:01 AM
A new analytical report dedicated to artistic freedom and the protection of cultural diversity has been published on the PEN Belarus website.
We have gathered several examples of how artistic and cultural activities can become central elements in criminal charges.
We have gathered several examples of how artistic and cultural activities can become central elements in criminal charges.
As the human rights record of Belarus comes under review at the UN on 3 November 2025, PEN Belarus, @peninternational.bsky.social and @penamerica.bsky.social reiterate grave concerns over the Belarusian authorities’ brutal clampdown on freedom of expression, cultural rights and linguistic rights.
Belarus: UN submission highlights brutal crackdown on cultural rights – PEN Belarus
30 October 2025 – As the human rights record of Belarus comes under review at the United Nations on 3 November 2025, PEN Belarus, PEN International and PEN America reiterate grave concerns over the Be...
penbelarus.org
October 30, 2025 at 8:35 AM
As the human rights record of Belarus comes under review at the UN on 3 November 2025, PEN Belarus, @peninternational.bsky.social and @penamerica.bsky.social reiterate grave concerns over the Belarusian authorities’ brutal clampdown on freedom of expression, cultural rights and linguistic rights.
Andrzej Poczobut has become a laureate of the 2025 Sakharov Prize!
You can learn more about him here: penbelarus.org/en/2024/06/2...
You can learn more about him here: penbelarus.org/en/2024/06/2...
Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli: laureates of the 2025 Sakharov Prize | News | European Parliament
The two journalists, imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia, are the laureates of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, to be awarded by Parliament on 16 December.
www.europarl.europa.eu
October 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Andrzej Poczobut has become a laureate of the 2025 Sakharov Prize!
You can learn more about him here: penbelarus.org/en/2024/06/2...
You can learn more about him here: penbelarus.org/en/2024/06/2...
Reposted
El PEN Català presenta el dossier "Bielorússia: literatura, repressió i resistència cultural", un informe que recull dades dels cinc anys de persecució contra la paraula lliure i la cultura al país.
@penbelarus.bsky.social @peninternational.bsky.social
📕 www.pencatala.cat/wp-content/u...
@penbelarus.bsky.social @peninternational.bsky.social
📕 www.pencatala.cat/wp-content/u...
October 22, 2025 at 10:09 AM
On September 26 the Ministry of Information updated the list of “extremist materials” and added three new books.
Among these books is a finalist of the largest Belarusian literary award, the Jerzy Giedroyc Prize, for 2023: Valer Hapiejeŭ with his book "Volniery. The Harbinger".
#BannedBooksBelarus
Among these books is a finalist of the largest Belarusian literary award, the Jerzy Giedroyc Prize, for 2023: Valer Hapiejeŭ with his book "Volniery. The Harbinger".
#BannedBooksBelarus
06.10.2025. Three new books on the list of “extremist materials” – Belarus. Banned Books
On September 26 the Ministry of Information updated the list of “extremist materials” and added three new books: Valer Hapiejeŭ, Volniery. The Harbinger (Januškievič, 2023) Valer Hapiejeŭ, Volniery. T...
bannedbooks.penbelarus.org
October 6, 2025 at 4:14 PM
On September 26 the Ministry of Information updated the list of “extremist materials” and added three new books.
Among these books is a finalist of the largest Belarusian literary award, the Jerzy Giedroyc Prize, for 2023: Valer Hapiejeŭ with his book "Volniery. The Harbinger".
#BannedBooksBelarus
Among these books is a finalist of the largest Belarusian literary award, the Jerzy Giedroyc Prize, for 2023: Valer Hapiejeŭ with his book "Volniery. The Harbinger".
#BannedBooksBelarus
On September 26 the Ministry of Information updated the list of “extremist materials” and added three new books.
Among these books is the winner of the largest Belarusian literary award, the Jerzy Giedroyc Prize, for 2023: One Must Imagine Sisyphus Happy, Valancin Akudovič.
#BannedBooksBelarus
Among these books is the winner of the largest Belarusian literary award, the Jerzy Giedroyc Prize, for 2023: One Must Imagine Sisyphus Happy, Valancin Akudovič.
#BannedBooksBelarus
01.10.2025. Three new books on the list of “extremist materials” – Belarus. Banned Books
Yesterday it became known that on September 26 the Ministry of Information updated the list of “extremist materials” and added three new books: Timothy Snyder, On Freedom (Kyiv: Nash Format, 2023(?)) ...
bannedbooks.penbelarus.org
October 1, 2025 at 1:37 PM
On September 26 the Ministry of Information updated the list of “extremist materials” and added three new books.
Among these books is the winner of the largest Belarusian literary award, the Jerzy Giedroyc Prize, for 2023: One Must Imagine Sisyphus Happy, Valancin Akudovič.
#BannedBooksBelarus
Among these books is the winner of the largest Belarusian literary award, the Jerzy Giedroyc Prize, for 2023: One Must Imagine Sisyphus Happy, Valancin Akudovič.
#BannedBooksBelarus
On September 30, 2025, 32 new books were added to the list of printed publications that, according to the authorities, “may harm the national interests of the Republic of Belarus,” including two books by PEN Belarus member Sasha Filipenko.
#BannedBooksBelarus
#BannedBooksBelarus
30.09.25. 32 new books added to the official list of those “harmful to national interests” – Belarus. Banned Books
On September 30, 2025, 32 new books were added to the list of printed publications that, according to the authorities, “may harm the national interests of the Republic of Belarus,” including two books...
bannedbooks.penbelarus.org
October 1, 2025 at 10:58 AM
On September 30, 2025, 32 new books were added to the list of printed publications that, according to the authorities, “may harm the national interests of the Republic of Belarus,” including two books by PEN Belarus member Sasha Filipenko.
#BannedBooksBelarus
#BannedBooksBelarus
Manuscripts are being confiscated from imprisoned writers...
Both people and books must be freed!
👉 You can learn more about the current state of Belarusian books here: bannedbooks.penbelarus.org/en
Both people and books must be freed!
👉 You can learn more about the current state of Belarusian books here: bannedbooks.penbelarus.org/en
September 18, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Manuscripts are being confiscated from imprisoned writers...
Both people and books must be freed!
👉 You can learn more about the current state of Belarusian books here: bannedbooks.penbelarus.org/en
Both people and books must be freed!
👉 You can learn more about the current state of Belarusian books here: bannedbooks.penbelarus.org/en
While we welcome the release of writers after immense suffering, we utterly condemn their forced exile and call for their rights to be upheld.
Read our joint statement with @peninternational.bsky.social
Read our joint statement with @peninternational.bsky.social
Belarus: Writers released and forced into exile – PEN Belarus
‘While we rejoice at the sight of Belarusian writers walking free after experiencing immense suffering, we utterly condemn their forced exile. The PEN community will continue to tirelessly campaign fo...
penbelarus.org
September 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM
While we welcome the release of writers after immense suffering, we utterly condemn their forced exile and call for their rights to be upheld.
Read our joint statement with @peninternational.bsky.social
Read our joint statement with @peninternational.bsky.social
Reposted
During our 91st Congress Opening Ceremony in Kraków we brought together Burhan Sönmez, Olga Tokarczuk & Margaret Atwood.
They each spoke out against repression in literature & the growing tide of censorship.
@penbelarus.bsky.social honoured Andrzej Poczobut as the Empty Chair.
They each spoke out against repression in literature & the growing tide of censorship.
@penbelarus.bsky.social honoured Andrzej Poczobut as the Empty Chair.
September 16, 2025 at 11:55 AM
During our 91st Congress Opening Ceremony in Kraków we brought together Burhan Sönmez, Olga Tokarczuk & Margaret Atwood.
They each spoke out against repression in literature & the growing tide of censorship.
@penbelarus.bsky.social honoured Andrzej Poczobut as the Empty Chair.
They each spoke out against repression in literature & the growing tide of censorship.
@penbelarus.bsky.social honoured Andrzej Poczobut as the Empty Chair.
Today it became known that three more books have been banned in Belarus.
The banning of books is not only an act of censorship, but also a violation of the right to freedom of expression and access to information, as enshrined in international treaties.
The banning of books is not only an act of censorship, but also a violation of the right to freedom of expression and access to information, as enshrined in international treaties.
Three new books on the list of “extremist materials” – Belarus. Banned Books
Today it became known that on September 10, by the decision of the Minsk’s Zavodski District Court, three new books were added to the list of “extremist materials.” Rainer Zitelmann, “Hitler: The Worl...
bannedbooks.penbelarus.org
September 15, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Today it became known that three more books have been banned in Belarus.
The banning of books is not only an act of censorship, but also a violation of the right to freedom of expression and access to information, as enshrined in international treaties.
The banning of books is not only an act of censorship, but also a violation of the right to freedom of expression and access to information, as enshrined in international treaties.