Archives for Freedom To Write: USA
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
December 23, 2004
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2005 PEN/Newmans Own First Amendment Award. Now in its thirteenth year, this $25,000 award recognizes a U.S. resident who has fought to protect freedom of expression as it applies to the written word. In a time when it takes particular courage to stand up for unpopular ideas and opinions, it is especially important to make sure that those who do so are recognized and honored.
To nominate a candidate or learn more about the award, visit http://www.pen.org/noa or e-mail ftw@pen.org.
The deadline is December 31, 2004.
Missouri: Company Uses Lawsuit as Threat to Silence Opposition
December 21, 2004
PEN USA is disturbed by the trend of defamation suits against individuals who speak out against companies. The latest example is of Tom Diehl, who won a case against a proposed garbage holding pen in suburban St. Louis.
However, after the case against the proposal was won, Tom Diehl was slapped with a $5 million lawsuit filed by the trash company, Fred Weber, Inc.; one of the largest road builders in the state. The company can definitely afford the libel and slander suit against Tom Diehl. The suit is apparently due to Diehl and the opponents’ characterization of the firm as “trash terrorists,” which the company says suggests the company has killed Americans and is bent on killing more.
PEN USA Executive Committee Responds to Conviction of Rhode Island Journalist
December 09, 2004
Please see Rhode Island: Reporter Held in Contempt for Refusing to Reveal Source for background about Taricani’s case.
Chicago: Book Advertisements Banned on Transit
December 06, 2004
PEN USA denounces the actions of Viacom Outdoor Marketing in its decision to ban posters advertising Mumia Abu-Jamal’s new book from the subways in Chicago.
United States: Book by Irina Ionesco Withheld by US Distributor
November 30, 2004
PEN USA is alarmed that a book scheduled for release in October was withheld by its United States distributor Stackpole Distribution.