Media Advisory: PEN Protesta! Writers to gather at Mexico City event denouncing violence against journalists

John Ralston Saul, Russell Banks, Elena Poniatowska and dozens
of others to stand in solidarity with Mexican press

MEXICO CITY, Jan. 23, 2012 /CNW/ -

WHAT:	PEN International and the PEN Club de México present "PEN Protesta! In Support of Journalists and Freedom of Expression," a public demonstration of solidarity and a demand for accountability for the murders and disappearances of journalists in Mexico. Representatives from PEN International, all seven North American PEN Centers, and PEN Centers in Europe and Asia will stand side-by-side with dozens of Mexican journalists and declare their support for a free press and freedom of expression in a series of original statements and writings crafted for the occasion. The event represents an unprecedented show of support from the international literary community in recognition of the courage and endurance of their Mexican colleagues.
WHO:	John Ralston Saul, Russell Banks, Hori Takeaki, Eric Lax, Jennifer Clement, Ramón Xirau, Elena Poniatowska, Javier Sicilia, Homero Aridjis, Elsa Cross, Victor Manuel Mendiola, Eduardo Lizalde, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, and many others.
WHEN:	January 29, 2012 12:00 p.m.
WHERE:	Casa Lamm Alvaro Obregon No 99, Colonia Roma, Mexico D.F.

PEN Protesta! In Support of Journalists and Freedom of Expression

Between 2000 and 2011, criminal organizations have murdered more than 67 journalists in Mexico. In recent months, these groups have killed 15 journalists, "disappeared" three, and attacked the facilities of 19 newspapers and media outlets with firearms and explosives, according to statistics released by the organization Article 19 in October 2011. As an international literary organization dedicated to the protection of writers and the defense of freedom of expression, PEN has condemned these killings and called for an end to impunity for those who carry out attacks on media workers in Mexico. At "PEN Protesta," delegates representing PEN's distinguished global membership of writers lend their voices to the growing national chorus demanding effective protections for members of the Mexican press. This event is made possible in part by the generous sponsorship of the Knight Foundation.

Note to Editors:

PEN International celebrates literature and promotes freedom of expression. Founded in 1921, our global community of writers now comprises 144 Centers spanning more than 100 countries. Our programs, campaigns, events and publications connect writers and readers for global solidarity and cooperation. PEN International is a non-political organization and holds consultative status at the United Nations and UNESCO. www.pen-international.org.

For more information and to request interviews please contact our press office, [email protected]  [email protected] | [phone], or contact Laura McVeigh, Executive Director, at  [email protected] | [phone]

PEN Canada is an active member of PEN International. For more information please contact President, Charlie Foran, c/o Kasey Coholan at [email protected] 416.703.8448