Belarus Moves to Dissolve Local Branch of PEN
On the same day PEN Belarus released a report showing in increase in cultural rights violations in the country, the government moved to dissolve the organization.
“When a government silences and stomps on its writers, it reveals a level of shame and decay that leaders are aiming to hide, but instead only expose," said PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel. "Belarus’ leaders may think they can suppress the truth by muzzling those who dare tell it, but the story of the will of the people and the scale of brutal repression will find its way to the world. We stand in solidarity with the writers of PEN Belarus and are determined to ensure that their vital voices are heard and their rights to express themselves vindicated.”
All of PEN America's recent stories about the ongoing suppression of cultural rights and freedom of expression in Belarus can be found here.
