We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Egyptian poet and #FreedomToWrite honoree Galal El-Behairy ahead of his hearing tomorrow, when the Egyptian government is likely to extend his unjust and arbitrary detention for another 45 days. #FreeGalal
June 17, 2025 at 6:16 PM
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Egyptian poet and #FreedomToWrite honoree Galal El-Behairy ahead of his hearing tomorrow, when the Egyptian government is likely to extend his unjust and arbitrary detention for another 45 days. #FreeGalal
This Friday, poet and 2025 PEN/Barbey Freedom To Write honoree Galal El-Behairy turns 35. It will be his 7th birthday in jail in Egypt.
Share this reading of El-Behairy’s poem by novelist Ahmed Naji and join us in calling for his release.
#FreeGalal #PoetryIsNotACrime
Share this reading of El-Behairy’s poem by novelist Ahmed Naji and join us in calling for his release.
#FreeGalal #PoetryIsNotACrime
June 25, 2025 at 4:53 PM
This Friday, poet and 2025 PEN/Barbey Freedom To Write honoree Galal El-Behairy turns 35. It will be his 7th birthday in jail in Egypt.
Share this reading of El-Behairy’s poem by novelist Ahmed Naji and join us in calling for his release.
#FreeGalal #PoetryIsNotACrime
Share this reading of El-Behairy’s poem by novelist Ahmed Naji and join us in calling for his release.
#FreeGalal #PoetryIsNotACrime
Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy has been imprisoned since 2018 for his writing. From prison, he wrote "Alone," now spoken by writers worldwide.
In 2 days, he faces his next hearing. Join us in calling for his unconditional release.
#FreeGalal
In 2 days, he faces his next hearing. Join us in calling for his unconditional release.
#FreeGalal
August 21, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy has been imprisoned since 2018 for his writing. From prison, he wrote "Alone," now spoken by writers worldwide.
In 2 days, he faces his next hearing. Join us in calling for his unconditional release.
#FreeGalal
In 2 days, he faces his next hearing. Join us in calling for his unconditional release.
#FreeGalal
Poet and #FreedomToWrite honoree Galal El-Behairy started writing poetry in high school. During his time as a university student, he performed readings as a form of creative protest.
Unjustly detained since 2018, El-Behairy wrote this poem—read by his father—from jail. #FreeGalal
Unjustly detained since 2018, El-Behairy wrote this poem—read by his father—from jail. #FreeGalal
November 20, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Poet and #FreedomToWrite honoree Galal El-Behairy started writing poetry in high school. During his time as a university student, he performed readings as a form of creative protest.
Unjustly detained since 2018, El-Behairy wrote this poem—read by his father—from jail. #FreeGalal
Unjustly detained since 2018, El-Behairy wrote this poem—read by his father—from jail. #FreeGalal
We are honored to announce poet Galal El-Behairy as the recipient of the 2025 PEN/Barbey #FreedomToWrite Award. At 27 years old, El-Behairy was jailed in Egypt in 2018 solely for writing song lyrics and poetry that challenged the state. #FreeGalal pen.org/press-releas...
Imprisoned Egyptian Poet Galal El-Behairy to Receive PEN America’s 2025 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award - PEN America
Imprisoned Egyptian poet, lyricist, and pro-democracy activist Galal El-Behairy will receive the 2025 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award on May 15 at its annual literary gala in New York City
pen.org
May 14, 2025 at 2:53 AM
We are honored to announce poet Galal El-Behairy as the recipient of the 2025 PEN/Barbey #FreedomToWrite Award. At 27 years old, El-Behairy was jailed in Egypt in 2018 solely for writing song lyrics and poetry that challenged the state. #FreeGalal pen.org/press-releas...
Today marks seven years since poet and lyricist Galal El Behairy was imprisoned in Egypt. Join us in sending him a message of solidarity through #PENWrites and calling for his immediate release. #FreeGalal www.englishpen.org/pen-writes/p...
PENWrites: Galal El-Behairy – Egypt - English PEN
www.englishpen.org
March 5, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Today marks seven years since poet and lyricist Galal El Behairy was imprisoned in Egypt. Join us in sending him a message of solidarity through #PENWrites and calling for his immediate release. #FreeGalal www.englishpen.org/pen-writes/p...
#Egypt: Cairo's Second Terrorism Circuit has postponed the trial of Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy (case No.21763/2025) until 14 October. Imprisoned since 2018, he faces unfounded charges in retaliation for his poetry. PEN International calls for his immediate and unconditional release. #FreeGalal
August 26, 2026 at 2:56 PM
#Egypt: Cairo's Second Terrorism Circuit has postponed the trial of Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy (case No.21763/2025) until 14 October. Imprisoned since 2018, he faces unfounded charges in retaliation for his poetry. PEN International calls for his immediate and unconditional release. #FreeGalal
El-Behairy sent us a heartbreaking letter about his inhumane conditions in detention. Egypt must release him and ensure his immediate medical treatment.
Share his words and call for his release. Full letter: pen.org/letter-from-...
#FreeGalal #FreeThemAll #PoetryIsNotACrime #FreedomToWrite
Share his words and call for his release. Full letter: pen.org/letter-from-...
#FreeGalal #FreeThemAll #PoetryIsNotACrime #FreedomToWrite
Letter from Jailed Egyptian Poet Galal El-Behairy - PEN America
This letter announcing a hunger strike from imprisoned poet Galal El-Behairy was shared with PEN America on August 8, 2025.
pen.org
August 12, 2025 at 9:28 PM
El-Behairy sent us a heartbreaking letter about his inhumane conditions in detention. Egypt must release him and ensure his immediate medical treatment.
Share his words and call for his release. Full letter: pen.org/letter-from-...
#FreeGalal #FreeThemAll #PoetryIsNotACrime #FreedomToWrite
Share his words and call for his release. Full letter: pen.org/letter-from-...
#FreeGalal #FreeThemAll #PoetryIsNotACrime #FreedomToWrite
To honor jailed poet Galal El-Behairy’s 35th birthday, we gathered to discuss creativity, dissent, and solidarity. “Galal’s mode of opposition is his poetry,” El-Behairy’s father told us, urging everyone to support free expression. #FreeGalal
Read more: pen.org/poetry-in-ch...
Read more: pen.org/poetry-in-ch...
Poetry in Chains: Writers Gather in Solidarity With Detained Poet Galal El-Behairy - PEN America
If you have something different inside of you, don’t lose it, don’t suppress it. Feed it by reading poetry, by participating in such campaigns and solidarity.
pen.org
July 16, 2025 at 9:37 PM
To honor jailed poet Galal El-Behairy’s 35th birthday, we gathered to discuss creativity, dissent, and solidarity. “Galal’s mode of opposition is his poetry,” El-Behairy’s father told us, urging everyone to support free expression. #FreeGalal
Read more: pen.org/poetry-in-ch...
Read more: pen.org/poetry-in-ch...
This is such a well deserved and much needed award - Galal El-Behairy's imprisonment is a travesty and he must be freed. If you want to send a message of solidarity and support to Galal please do so here: www.englishpen.org/campaigns/pe... #FreeGalal
May 14, 2025 at 8:53 AM
This is such a well deserved and much needed award - Galal El-Behairy's imprisonment is a travesty and he must be freed. If you want to send a message of solidarity and support to Galal please do so here: www.englishpen.org/campaigns/pe... #FreeGalal
We demand Galal El-Behairy’s immediate release and humane treatment in custody, including access to medical care, legal counsel, and books. His ongoing detention violates Egyptian and international law. #FreeGalal #FreedomToWrite
Read the joint letter: pen.org/joint-letter...
Read the joint letter: pen.org/joint-letter...
Joint Letter to the Egyptian Ambassador to the U.S. Urging Action on the Ongoing Detention of Galal El-Behairy - PEN America
Silencing a poet for his words not only stifles individual creativity but also weakens the broader human rights principles.
pen.org
July 31, 2025 at 2:22 PM
We demand Galal El-Behairy’s immediate release and humane treatment in custody, including access to medical care, legal counsel, and books. His ongoing detention violates Egyptian and international law. #FreeGalal #FreedomToWrite
Read the joint letter: pen.org/joint-letter...
Read the joint letter: pen.org/joint-letter...
Poet & lyricist Galal El-Behairy has been imprisoned in Egypt for almost 7 years. Ahead of tomorrow’s UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Egypt, please join the call for his release & send a message of solidarity through our #PENWrites campaign. #FreeGalal
www.englishpen.org/pen-writes/p...
www.englishpen.org/pen-writes/p...
PENWrites: Galal El-Behairy – Egypt - English PEN
www.englishpen.org
January 27, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Poet & lyricist Galal El-Behairy has been imprisoned in Egypt for almost 7 years. Ahead of tomorrow’s UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Egypt, please join the call for his release & send a message of solidarity through our #PENWrites campaign. #FreeGalal
www.englishpen.org/pen-writes/p...
www.englishpen.org/pen-writes/p...
Egypt must release poet Galal El-Behairy, unjustly jailed since he was 28 years old for his poetry and song lyrics. Today marks his 35th birthday—his 7th spent behind bars. How many more birthdays will Egypt rob from him? #FreeGalal #PoetryIsNotACrime
June 27, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Egypt must release poet Galal El-Behairy, unjustly jailed since he was 28 years old for his poetry and song lyrics. Today marks his 35th birthday—his 7th spent behind bars. How many more birthdays will Egypt rob from him? #FreeGalal #PoetryIsNotACrime
Poet Galal El-Behairy’s indefinite detention is just one example of the Egyptian government’s suppression of writers. The Egyptian authorities should release El-Behairy and end this growing pattern of detaining writers indefinitely. #FreeGalal #FreeThemAll
Read more: pen.org/an-egyptian-...
Read more: pen.org/an-egyptian-...
June 27, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Poet Galal El-Behairy’s indefinite detention is just one example of the Egyptian government’s suppression of writers. The Egyptian authorities should release El-Behairy and end this growing pattern of detaining writers indefinitely. #FreeGalal #FreeThemAll
Read more: pen.org/an-egyptian-...
Read more: pen.org/an-egyptian-...
On his 36th birthday, jailed poet Galal El-Behairy wants to share his words with the world.
The Egyptian government has kept Galal — the 2025 #FreedomToWrite Award Honoree — in jail since 2018.
Read and share his poem: pen.org/galal-el-beh... #FreeGalal
The Egyptian government has kept Galal — the 2025 #FreedomToWrite Award Honoree — in jail since 2018.
Read and share his poem: pen.org/galal-el-beh... #FreeGalal
June 27, 2026 at 3:54 PM
On his 36th birthday, jailed poet Galal El-Behairy wants to share his words with the world.
The Egyptian government has kept Galal — the 2025 #FreedomToWrite Award Honoree — in jail since 2018.
Read and share his poem: pen.org/galal-el-beh... #FreeGalal
The Egyptian government has kept Galal — the 2025 #FreedomToWrite Award Honoree — in jail since 2018.
Read and share his poem: pen.org/galal-el-beh... #FreeGalal
Egypt must release poet Galal El-Behairy, unjustly jailed since he was 28 years old for his poetry and song lyrics. Today marks his 35th birthday—his 7th spent behind bars. How many more birthdays will Egypt rob from him? #FreeGalal #PoetryIsNotACrime
June 27, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Egypt must release poet Galal El-Behairy, unjustly jailed since he was 28 years old for his poetry and song lyrics. Today marks his 35th birthday—his 7th spent behind bars. How many more birthdays will Egypt rob from him? #FreeGalal #PoetryIsNotACrime
I’m joining Poetry in Chains, hosted by @penamerica.bsky.social on Friday, June 27, to mark poet #GalalElBehairy’s 7th birthday behind bars — jailed for his words, not crimes.
Writing is not a threat.
Join us & raise your voice to #FreeGalal.
➡️ To register: pen.org/event/poetry...
Writing is not a threat.
Join us & raise your voice to #FreeGalal.
➡️ To register: pen.org/event/poetry...
Poetry in Chains: A Conversation with Egyptian Poets and Writers In Honor of Galal El-Behairy’s 35th Birthday - PEN America
Join us to mark the 35th birthday of PEN America’s 2025 Freedom to Write honoree Galal El-Behairy, currently detained in Egypt for his words.
pen.org
June 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM
I’m joining Poetry in Chains, hosted by @penamerica.bsky.social on Friday, June 27, to mark poet #GalalElBehairy’s 7th birthday behind bars — jailed for his words, not crimes.
Writing is not a threat.
Join us & raise your voice to #FreeGalal.
➡️ To register: pen.org/event/poetry...
Writing is not a threat.
Join us & raise your voice to #FreeGalal.
➡️ To register: pen.org/event/poetry...
Attending @penamerica.bsky.social webinar today marking the 35th birthday of PEN America’s 2025 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write honoree Galal El-Behairy, jailed in Egypt now for 7 years for his poetry. How many more birthdays will Egypt rob from him? #FreeGalal #PoetryIsNotACrime pen.org/writer-at-ri...
June 27, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Attending @penamerica.bsky.social webinar today marking the 35th birthday of PEN America’s 2025 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write honoree Galal El-Behairy, jailed in Egypt now for 7 years for his poetry. How many more birthdays will Egypt rob from him? #FreeGalal #PoetryIsNotACrime pen.org/writer-at-ri...
Today, poet and lyricist Galal El-Behairy is spending yet another birthday imprisoned in Egypt. Join us in sending messages of solidarity, and in continuing the call for his immediate and unconditional release. #FreeGalal #PENWrites
www.englishpen.org/campaigns/pe...
www.englishpen.org/campaigns/pe...
PENWrites: Galal El-Behairy – Egypt - English PEN
Send a message of solidarity to imprisoned Egyptian poet and lyricist Galal El-Behairy
www.englishpen.org
June 27, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Today, poet and lyricist Galal El-Behairy is spending yet another birthday imprisoned in Egypt. Join us in sending messages of solidarity, and in continuing the call for his immediate and unconditional release. #FreeGalal #PENWrites
www.englishpen.org/campaigns/pe...
www.englishpen.org/campaigns/pe...
Find a recording of the gathering and full conversation with El-Behairy’s father, novelist @ahmednaji.bsky.social, PEN International’s @minathabet.bsky.social, and journalist @basmamostafa.bsky.social in our latest blog. Read and share with #FreeGalal
pen.org/poetry-in-ch...
pen.org/poetry-in-ch...
Poetry in Chains: Writers Gather in Solidarity With Detained Poet Galal El-Behairy - PEN America
If you have something different inside of you, don’t lose it, don’t suppress it. Feed it by reading poetry, by participating in such campaigns and solidarity.
pen.org
July 16, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Find a recording of the gathering and full conversation with El-Behairy’s father, novelist @ahmednaji.bsky.social, PEN International’s @minathabet.bsky.social, and journalist @basmamostafa.bsky.social in our latest blog. Read and share with #FreeGalal
pen.org/poetry-in-ch...
pen.org/poetry-in-ch...
Galal El-Behairy uses his writing to resist repression. Our #FreedomToWrite Index shows that writing as a means of expression—whether a song, a blog, or a satirical cartoon—increasingly carries risk. Egypt should #FreeGalal #FreeAlaa #FreeAshrafOmar. pen.org/375-voices-b...
375 Voices Behind Bars: Why Governments Repress Writers - PEN America
Anyone who uses language deliberately to share truth, expose injustice, question authority, or imagine better futures belongs in this community.
pen.org
June 6, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Galal El-Behairy uses his writing to resist repression. Our #FreedomToWrite Index shows that writing as a means of expression—whether a song, a blog, or a satirical cartoon—increasingly carries risk. Egypt should #FreeGalal #FreeAlaa #FreeAshrafOmar. pen.org/375-voices-b...
We warmly welcome the news that poet Galal El-Behairy has been announced as the winner of the PEN/Barbey #FreedomToWrite Award. Please join us in sending messages of congratulations through our international letter-writing campaign, #PENWrites. #FreeGalal
www.englishpen.org/campaigns/pe...
www.englishpen.org/campaigns/pe...
PENWrites: Galal El-Behairy – Egypt - English PEN
Send a message of solidarity to imprisoned Egyptian poet and lyricist Galal El-Behairy
www.englishpen.org
May 14, 2025 at 9:10 AM
We warmly welcome the news that poet Galal El-Behairy has been announced as the winner of the PEN/Barbey #FreedomToWrite Award. Please join us in sending messages of congratulations through our international letter-writing campaign, #PENWrites. #FreeGalal
www.englishpen.org/campaigns/pe...
www.englishpen.org/campaigns/pe...
In Egypt, Galal El-Behairy—a poet, lyricist, and the 2025 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award honoree—has been imprisoned for over seven years. Jailed at age 27, his life was stolen from him. Poetry was his only “crime.” #FreeGalal pen.org/375-voices-b...
May 23, 2025 at 8:58 PM
In Egypt, Galal El-Behairy—a poet, lyricist, and the 2025 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award honoree—has been imprisoned for over seven years. Jailed at age 27, his life was stolen from him. Poetry was his only “crime.” #FreeGalal pen.org/375-voices-b...
Our joint recommendations with @pen_int & @englishpen include: repeal all laws that restrict free expression, release all detained writers including #FreeAlaa and #FreeGalal, and immediately end all forms of harassment against writers in Egypt.
pen.org/press-releas...
pen.org/press-releas...
Egypt: Joint submission to the UPR on the crackdown on dissent and violations of freedom of expression - PEN America
Egyptian authorities are obligated to uphold international human rights standards and abide by their own constitution.
pen.org
January 27, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Our joint recommendations with @pen_int & @englishpen include: repeal all laws that restrict free expression, release all detained writers including #FreeAlaa and #FreeGalal, and immediately end all forms of harassment against writers in Egypt.
pen.org/press-releas...
pen.org/press-releas...