Scottish PEN
@scottishpen.bsky.social
Scottish centre of @pen_int. Committed to promoting literature and defending freedom of expression. RTs ≠ endorsement. Join: http://bit.ly/201zvHC
Pinned
Scottish PEN’s annual Naomi Mitchison Lecture for 2025, “The Menace of Hope at the Back of Life: Practical Philosophies of Protest, Permaculture, and the Pen” – will be delivered by Professor Alison Phipps at the University of Glasgow on 11 December.
Scottish PEN condemns the use of violence against our Vice President @lizzie4.bsky.social and her fellow protesters.
We are appalled that this government is clamping down on the #RightToProtest & #FreedomofExpression, & using brute force to do so.
www.thenational.scot/news/2569150...
We are appalled that this government is clamping down on the #RightToProtest & #FreedomofExpression, & using brute force to do so.
www.thenational.scot/news/2569150...
Pro-Palestine protesters 'dragged' out of Scottish plaza hosting Keir Starmer
PRO-PALESTINE protesters have slammed Labour officials after they were “manhandled” and "aggressively" removed from a venue which was…
www.thenational.scot
December 12, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Scottish PEN condemns the use of violence against our Vice President @lizzie4.bsky.social and her fellow protesters.
We are appalled that this government is clamping down on the #RightToProtest & #FreedomofExpression, & using brute force to do so.
www.thenational.scot/news/2569150...
We are appalled that this government is clamping down on the #RightToProtest & #FreedomofExpression, & using brute force to do so.
www.thenational.scot/news/2569150...
Scottish PEN gives a big thank you to @alisonphipps.bsky.social for her inspirational talk about #Gaza #Palestine, about her phenomenal work, & the 'menace of hope' which fuelled the evening. A night to remember.
Thanks,too, to @ruthaylett.bsky.social & @lynndaw.bsky.social for organising this event
Thanks,too, to @ruthaylett.bsky.social & @lynndaw.bsky.social for organising this event
December 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Scottish PEN gives a big thank you to @alisonphipps.bsky.social for her inspirational talk about #Gaza #Palestine, about her phenomenal work, & the 'menace of hope' which fuelled the evening. A night to remember.
Thanks,too, to @ruthaylett.bsky.social & @lynndaw.bsky.social for organising this event
Thanks,too, to @ruthaylett.bsky.social & @lynndaw.bsky.social for organising this event
"You cannot protect the majority’s rights by attacking the rights of minorities. That is the opposite of universal human rights." @amnestyuk.bsky.social
Scottish PEN supports Amnesty in its condemnation of this latest attempt to undermine human rights.
www.thenational.scot/news/2568613...
Scottish PEN supports Amnesty in its condemnation of this latest attempt to undermine human rights.
www.thenational.scot/news/2568613...
Fury as Keir Starmer urges European leaders to curb core human rights
THE UK Government is in "moral retreat", Amnesty International has said, after Keir Starmer urged Europe’s leaders to rehash how a major…
www.thenational.scot
December 11, 2025 at 3:19 PM
"You cannot protect the majority’s rights by attacking the rights of minorities. That is the opposite of universal human rights." @amnestyuk.bsky.social
Scottish PEN supports Amnesty in its condemnation of this latest attempt to undermine human rights.
www.thenational.scot/news/2568613...
Scottish PEN supports Amnesty in its condemnation of this latest attempt to undermine human rights.
www.thenational.scot/news/2568613...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
This Human Rights Day, we share a new statement from the Writers for Peace Committee. Together, they reaffirm that words still matter and that peace depends on how we speak and listen.
Read the full statement: www.pen-international.org/news/human-r...
Read the full statement: www.pen-international.org/news/human-r...
PEACE IS A VERB; PEACE IS A MUST; PEACE NOW! A statement by the Writers for Peace Committee — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
A statement by the Writers for Peace Committee of PEN International for of Human Rights Day 2025 Every year on 10 December, the world marks Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Univer...
www.pen-international.org
December 10, 2025 at 10:33 AM
This Human Rights Day, we share a new statement from the Writers for Peace Committee. Together, they reaffirm that words still matter and that peace depends on how we speak and listen.
Read the full statement: www.pen-international.org/news/human-r...
Read the full statement: www.pen-international.org/news/human-r...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
Meanwhile, a new report by Reporters Without Borders finds Israel has killed more journalists in 2025 than any other country — for the third year running. The report found Israel’s military liable for the deaths of 29 Palestinian journalists, among 67 journalists killed around the world this year.
December 10, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Meanwhile, a new report by Reporters Without Borders finds Israel has killed more journalists in 2025 than any other country — for the third year running. The report found Israel’s military liable for the deaths of 29 Palestinian journalists, among 67 journalists killed around the world this year.
Reposted by Scottish PEN
How many times do we need to point this out?
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
Starmer urges Europe’s leaders to curb ECHR to halt rise of far right
Exclusive: PM calls for members of European convention on human rights to allow tougher action to protect borders
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:56 AM
How many times do we need to point this out?
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
PEN America and @bardcollege.bsky.social announce the launch of Kronika, a new digital platform designed to safeguard journalism globally and ensure that the historical record cannot be obliterated by censorship. More: pen.org/press-releas...
Global Platform Launches to Combat Authoritarian Censorship and Preserve Independent Journalism
New digital platform designed to safeguard journalism globally and preserve historical records from being obliterated by censorship
pen.org
December 9, 2025 at 8:55 PM
PEN America and @bardcollege.bsky.social announce the launch of Kronika, a new digital platform designed to safeguard journalism globally and ensure that the historical record cannot be obliterated by censorship. More: pen.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
Seeking asylum is not illegal.
People entering the country by irregular means without any other option are not breaking the law.
The Govenrment should be showing humanity not further brutality
People entering the country by irregular means without any other option are not breaking the law.
The Govenrment should be showing humanity not further brutality
December 9, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Seeking asylum is not illegal.
People entering the country by irregular means without any other option are not breaking the law.
The Govenrment should be showing humanity not further brutality
People entering the country by irregular means without any other option are not breaking the law.
The Govenrment should be showing humanity not further brutality
Reposted by Scottish PEN
A poem by Edwin Morgan inscribed into a flagstone on Candleriggs in Glasgow, just outside the City Halls. Born in 1920, Morgan became the city's first poet laureate in 1999.
Cont./
#glasgow #streetart #poetry #edwinmorgan #glasgowcoatofarms #streetpoetry
Cont./
#glasgow #streetart #poetry #edwinmorgan #glasgowcoatofarms #streetpoetry
December 9, 2025 at 1:19 PM
A poem by Edwin Morgan inscribed into a flagstone on Candleriggs in Glasgow, just outside the City Halls. Born in 1920, Morgan became the city's first poet laureate in 1999.
Cont./
#glasgow #streetart #poetry #edwinmorgan #glasgowcoatofarms #streetpoetry
Cont./
#glasgow #streetart #poetry #edwinmorgan #glasgowcoatofarms #streetpoetry
Reposted by Scottish PEN
A CHAOS OF LIGHT
New Writing Scotland 43
Ed. Kirstin Innes, Chris Powici & Niall O’Gallagher
“writing that unsettles and challenges, that questions assumptions…A rich, boisterous, tender, charming, angry, sorrowful, gleeful mix”
Available now from all good bookshops!
💙📚
asls.org.uk/publications...
New Writing Scotland 43
Ed. Kirstin Innes, Chris Powici & Niall O’Gallagher
“writing that unsettles and challenges, that questions assumptions…A rich, boisterous, tender, charming, angry, sorrowful, gleeful mix”
Available now from all good bookshops!
💙📚
asls.org.uk/publications...
New Writing Scotland 43
Edited by Kirstin Innes, Chris Powici & Niall O’Gallagher Published in: Paperback, 184 pages By: Association for Scottish Literature, Glasgow, August 2025 Price: £9.95 ISBN: 9781906841669 Cover image…
asls.org.uk
August 27, 2025 at 2:05 PM
A CHAOS OF LIGHT
New Writing Scotland 43
Ed. Kirstin Innes, Chris Powici & Niall O’Gallagher
“writing that unsettles and challenges, that questions assumptions…A rich, boisterous, tender, charming, angry, sorrowful, gleeful mix”
Available now from all good bookshops!
💙📚
asls.org.uk/publications...
New Writing Scotland 43
Ed. Kirstin Innes, Chris Powici & Niall O’Gallagher
“writing that unsettles and challenges, that questions assumptions…A rich, boisterous, tender, charming, angry, sorrowful, gleeful mix”
Available now from all good bookshops!
💙📚
asls.org.uk/publications...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
Civil defence recovers bodies of 15 Palestinians killed by Israel from 'mass grave' in al-Shifa hospital area - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/palestinian-civil-defence-removes-15-bodies-al-shifa-hospital
Civil defence recovers bodies of 15 Palestinians killed by Israel from 'mass grave' in al-Shifa hospital area
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<h2>
<a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/palestinian-civil-defence-removes-15-bodies-al-shifa-hospital" rel="bookmark">
<span class="field field-title"> Civil defence recovers bodies of 15 Palestinians killed by Israel from 'mass grave' in al-Shifa hospital area </span>
</a>
</h2>
<div class="content">
<div class="field field-field-text"><p><meta charset="UTF-8">The Palestinian Civil Defence has recovered the bodies of at least 15 Palestinians from the al-Shifa Hospital courtyard area in Gaza City.</p>
<p>The discovery comes as part of work to retrieve Palestinians killed by Israel and buried in what Gaza’s Government Media Office said was a "mass grave" discovered in May 2024. </p>
<p>The total number of bodies recovered from Gaza’s largest medical facility is now 113, underscoring the scope of Israeli killing in the area. </p>
<p>“Several bodies remain missing on the hospital grounds, as work is still ongoing to retrieve them,” the Palestinian Civil Defence said. </p>
<p>It added that four of the bodies had not been identified.</p>
</div>
</div>
</article>
www.middleeasteye.net
December 9, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Civil defence recovers bodies of 15 Palestinians killed by Israel from 'mass grave' in al-Shifa hospital area - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/palestinian-civil-defence-removes-15-bodies-al-shifa-hospital
Reposted by Scottish PEN
DHS says Kristi Noem has no Truth Social messages, in response to our FOIA request.
That sounds like BS, especially since President Trump sends his cabinet officials messages on the social platform.
We’re appealing the dubious response.
That sounds like BS, especially since President Trump sends his cabinet officials messages on the social platform.
We’re appealing the dubious response.
DHS says Noem has no Truth Social DMs. That sounds like BS
FPF is appealing the dubious DHS response to our FOIA request
freedom.press
December 9, 2025 at 10:10 PM
DHS says Kristi Noem has no Truth Social messages, in response to our FOIA request.
That sounds like BS, especially since President Trump sends his cabinet officials messages on the social platform.
We’re appealing the dubious response.
That sounds like BS, especially since President Trump sends his cabinet officials messages on the social platform.
We’re appealing the dubious response.
Reposted by Scottish PEN
“If [economic] growth was actually your priority, you would not be doing this,” said Jonathan Portes, a professor at King’s College London.
December 9, 2025 at 4:24 PM
“If [economic] growth was actually your priority, you would not be doing this,” said Jonathan Portes, a professor at King’s College London.
Reposted by Scottish PEN
In a new interview, award-winning author Elana K. Arnold explains how her books serve as places where young readers can safely learn about (and practice) consent. Read more: pen.org/elana-k-arno...
All Experiences ‘Deserve Space on the Page’ — and Sex Is No Exception, Argues YA Author Elana K. Arnold
Arnold follows her gut as she writes, and if her gut tells her sexual pain or pleasure is part of a character’s journey, she listens.
pen.org
December 7, 2025 at 5:32 PM
In a new interview, award-winning author Elana K. Arnold explains how her books serve as places where young readers can safely learn about (and practice) consent. Read more: pen.org/elana-k-arno...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
Reposted by Scottish PEN
The Government's consultation on police use of facial recognition tech is a welcome opportunity to finally regulate it's use.
If you're interested in responding to the consultation, click the link below:
https://bit.ly/48DdhHc
If you're interested in responding to the consultation, click the link below:
https://bit.ly/48DdhHc
I want to take the next step!
Join us in responding to the Government's facial recognition consultation.
bit.ly
December 7, 2025 at 5:39 PM
The Government's consultation on police use of facial recognition tech is a welcome opportunity to finally regulate it's use.
If you're interested in responding to the consultation, click the link below:
https://bit.ly/48DdhHc
If you're interested in responding to the consultation, click the link below:
https://bit.ly/48DdhHc
Reposted by Scottish PEN
Dec. 5, 1925: Langston Hughes at work as a waiter at the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. At around this time he comes across the poet Vachel Lindsay at the hotel and shows him some of his own poetry, an encounter that will lead to Hughes being published.
December 5, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Dec. 5, 1925: Langston Hughes at work as a waiter at the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. At around this time he comes across the poet Vachel Lindsay at the hotel and shows him some of his own poetry, an encounter that will lead to Hughes being published.
Scottish PEN supports the international global campaign to free #MarwanBarghouti
We condemn his continued imprisonment, his violent mistreatment & denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned.
@amnestyuk.bsky.social @irishpen.bsky.social @englishpen.bsky.social
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...
We condemn his continued imprisonment, his violent mistreatment & denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned.
@amnestyuk.bsky.social @irishpen.bsky.social @englishpen.bsky.social
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...
Global campaign launched to free jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti
Known as Palestine's Nelson Mandela, he has been in prison for more than 23 years and subjected to brutal abuse.
www.aljazeera.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Scottish PEN supports the international global campaign to free #MarwanBarghouti
We condemn his continued imprisonment, his violent mistreatment & denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned.
@amnestyuk.bsky.social @irishpen.bsky.social @englishpen.bsky.social
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...
We condemn his continued imprisonment, his violent mistreatment & denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned.
@amnestyuk.bsky.social @irishpen.bsky.social @englishpen.bsky.social
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12...
Scottish PEN mourns the loss of #RefaatAlareer, murdered by Israel 2 years ago today.
So many writers, artists, academics & thinkers have been murdered in this barbaric genocide.
We actively condemn Israel's actions & the role of the West in these war crimes.
electronicintifada.net/content/refa...
So many writers, artists, academics & thinkers have been murdered in this barbaric genocide.
We actively condemn Israel's actions & the role of the West in these war crimes.
electronicintifada.net/content/refa...
Refaat Alareer and the online culture war
Western media institutions excused the intellectual's murder by deeming him "controversial."
electronicintifada.net
December 6, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Scottish PEN mourns the loss of #RefaatAlareer, murdered by Israel 2 years ago today.
So many writers, artists, academics & thinkers have been murdered in this barbaric genocide.
We actively condemn Israel's actions & the role of the West in these war crimes.
electronicintifada.net/content/refa...
So many writers, artists, academics & thinkers have been murdered in this barbaric genocide.
We actively condemn Israel's actions & the role of the West in these war crimes.
electronicintifada.net/content/refa...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
The UK government is intensely relaxed about the ongoing imprisonment of Imran Khan by Pakistan, its military ally.
By contrast, the UK issued numerous media releases demanding the release of Alexei Navalny in Russia.
#DCUKparliament
By contrast, the UK issued numerous media releases demanding the release of Alexei Navalny in Russia.
#DCUKparliament
December 6, 2025 at 9:45 AM
The UK government is intensely relaxed about the ongoing imprisonment of Imran Khan by Pakistan, its military ally.
By contrast, the UK issued numerous media releases demanding the release of Alexei Navalny in Russia.
#DCUKparliament
By contrast, the UK issued numerous media releases demanding the release of Alexei Navalny in Russia.
#DCUKparliament
Scottish PEN has issued a statement in solidarity with writers, artists and activists in Scotland subject to the abuse of terror laws.
See the image or visit our website for the full text.
See the image or visit our website for the full text.
December 2, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Scottish PEN has issued a statement in solidarity with writers, artists and activists in Scotland subject to the abuse of terror laws.
See the image or visit our website for the full text.
See the image or visit our website for the full text.
Reposted by Scottish PEN
Israeli forces abducted journalist and former hostage Mohammad Assida last night during a raid on his home in the town of Tell, south of Nablus.
November 30, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Israeli forces abducted journalist and former hostage Mohammad Assida last night during a raid on his home in the town of Tell, south of Nablus.
Reposted by Scottish PEN
This week in #FreeExpression news:
🔹 #US shutters RFE/RL’s #Hungary service for “opposing” Orbán
🔹 LGBTQI+ journalists targeted in #Turkey
🔹 #Samoa government blocks daily newspaper from press access
📬 Read more & subscribe: buff.ly/iHp8lju #IFEXThisWeek
🔹 #US shutters RFE/RL’s #Hungary service for “opposing” Orbán
🔹 LGBTQI+ journalists targeted in #Turkey
🔹 #Samoa government blocks daily newspaper from press access
📬 Read more & subscribe: buff.ly/iHp8lju #IFEXThisWeek
November 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM
This week in #FreeExpression news:
🔹 #US shutters RFE/RL’s #Hungary service for “opposing” Orbán
🔹 LGBTQI+ journalists targeted in #Turkey
🔹 #Samoa government blocks daily newspaper from press access
📬 Read more & subscribe: buff.ly/iHp8lju #IFEXThisWeek
🔹 #US shutters RFE/RL’s #Hungary service for “opposing” Orbán
🔹 LGBTQI+ journalists targeted in #Turkey
🔹 #Samoa government blocks daily newspaper from press access
📬 Read more & subscribe: buff.ly/iHp8lju #IFEXThisWeek
Reposted by Scottish PEN
🎬 London: CPJ is proud to support the documentary "#ArmedOnlyWithACamera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud." Join us for a screening and Q&A with the filmmakers.
🗓️ 13 Norfolk Place | Dec. 8 | 7-8:30 PM GMT
Register👇
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/screening-...
🗓️ 13 Norfolk Place | Dec. 8 | 7-8:30 PM GMT
Register👇
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/screening-...
November 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM
🎬 London: CPJ is proud to support the documentary "#ArmedOnlyWithACamera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud." Join us for a screening and Q&A with the filmmakers.
🗓️ 13 Norfolk Place | Dec. 8 | 7-8:30 PM GMT
Register👇
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/screening-...
🗓️ 13 Norfolk Place | Dec. 8 | 7-8:30 PM GMT
Register👇
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/screening-...
Reposted by Scottish PEN
Plan to reduce jury trials an ‘irremediable error’, lawyers say in MoJ letter
Plan to reduce jury trials an ‘irremediable error’, lawyers say in MoJ letter
More than 100 lawyers have accused the Ministry of Justice of ignoring the legal profession’s objections
More than 100 lawyers who wrote to the Ministry of Justice expressing significant concerns about plans to severely restrict jury trials say representations by the legal profession are being ignored.
The government is expected to formally announce the changes, which have caused deep division among the judiciary and senior lawyers, as soon as next week. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Plan to reduce jury trials an ‘irremediable error’, lawyers say in MoJ letter