Second call for joining Europe and Turkey Free Expression Networks

 

Dear PEN Centres,

 

 

As you may be aware, at the Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) conference in Glasgow in April, it was decided to revive some key country and regional networks on freedom of expression concerns. Among those proposed were free expression networks on Europe (including Central, Eastern and Western Europe and Central Asia) titled Europe Freedom of Expression Network,  (EFEN), and another solely on Turkey – Turkey Freedom of Expression Network (TFEN).

 

As a reminder, the aim of  these network will be to provide the following on WiPC issues relating to:

 

    * informal information exchange between Centres and London office on free expression abuses

    * inter-centre support and ideas exchange

    * expertise building

    * translation resources

    * mini campaigns and actions

 

 

So far we have had only three Centres sign onto the Turkey Network (Macedonian, English and USA PEN Centres), and two on Europe (Macedonian and English). We are sure that there is greater interest among Centres to take part. To make the networks worth while, we need to have a minimum of six on each. So we are writing again to those who were present at the Glasgow Conference as well as to all WiPCs to see if there is further interest.  I am also writing separately to Centres in Europe who do not have WiPCs to see if there is interest among these in joining the networks.

 

If you are interested in joining either (or both!) these networks, please email me as soon as possible.

 

Tamsin Mitchell, Africa/Americas Researcher and Cathy McCann , Asia /Mid East Researcher, will write to you shortly regarding the other country and regional networks.

 

Regards,