Freedom of Expression Under Attack
Israel’s Detention of Palestinian Filmmaker Abdallah is An Attack on Free Expression, PEN Norway READ MORE →
Iranian Dissident in Danger
Iran: Poet Mahvash Sabet at Imminent Risk of Returning to Prison Despite Critical Health Condition READ MORE →
CPJ's 2024 prison census
China, Israel and Myanmar World’s Top Jailers of Journalists Read More here
Journalist Fled From Afghanistan
Journalist Flees Torture in Afghanistan: ‘The World Has Almost Forgotten Us’ Read Khalid Qaderi's powerful testimony
PEN Norway present at Istanbul’s courthouse to observe Ceren Sözeris hearing READ MORE →
Turkey Elections: What Does the Future Hold for Freedom of Speech? PEN Norway’s Interview with Zeynep Esmeray Özadikti READ MORE →
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“PEN isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.”

 – Margaret Atwood
PEN Pinter Prize Winner

Cases we follow

İlhan Sami Çomak was imprisoned for 30 years, 3 months, and 6 days.

  • 1994

    Arrested

    At the age of 22, Ilhan Çomak was arrested and charged with starting a forest fire and being associated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). He eventually confessed to the charges after 19 days of torture. On Nov 26, 2024, after 30 years, 3 months, and 6 days, he regained his freedom.

  • 1994

    Imprisoned

    Kurdish poet İlhan started to write poetry in jail, and he released eight books of poetry from inside the prison walls. Read his poems. He was released on Nov 26, 2024 after spending 30 years, 3 months, and 6 days in prison.

  • 2020

    Honorary member

    İlhan Çomak was announced as an honorary member by PEN Norway’s Writers in Prison Committee. Together with PEN centers worldwide, PEN Norway vigorously fought for Çomak’s release until he was set free in November 2024.

Annual reports



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The House of Literature in Oslo
Wergelandsveien 29, 0167 OSLO
pen@norskpen.no

Org. no: 983 886 760

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