Every year, the PEN Prison Writing Program recognizes the work of writers imprisoned throughout the country. Presented below are uncensored writings from this year's Prison Writing Contest winners.
In her grief, my mother bought pants the same size as I wore in high school, forgetting that I had added thirty pounds in the past eighteen years, but I made do. In the mirror I adjusted my tie and stared at the well-dressed stranger who stared back at me. Who was that man? [More] A Fresh End by Zachary Redfearne
The irony here is that probably no one knows who this Sanitos is or even who named this place. People read up on pariahs. We slobber over scandals, not saints. [More]
Programs that allow governments to spy on their own citizens are often directed against writers and intellectuals; surveillance in general poses a serious threat to the intellectual and creative freedoms of all citizens. [More]
Acclaimed Tibetan writer and poet whose critical writings on China's policy towards Tibet have led to severe restrictions on her ability to...
[Review the case]
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