Writers Drop PEN America Festival Over ‘Inadequate’ Gaza Response

Several prominent writers, including Naomi Klein and Michelle Alexander, have withdrawn from the PEN World Voices Festival over the literary organization’s “inadequate” response to the crisis in Gaza.

In a lengthy letter released Wednesday and signed by dozens, the writers explained that PEN’s unwillingness to call for a ceasefire in Gaza directly contradicts its stated commitment to protecting free expression.

They said that such silence amounts to a “betrayal” of PEN’s values.

Read more at The Daily Beast.