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May 09, 2025 – General –
On May 3, 2025, the PEN World Voices Festival concluded with a poignant closing night event titled Under Siege: The Perils of Journalism in an Age of State Repression. Held at Judson Memorial Church in New York City, the discussion spotlighted the escalating threats faced by journalists worldwide as governments intensify efforts to suppress independent reporting.
Moderated by Summer Lopez, Interim Co-CEO and Chief Program Officer for Free Expression at PEN America, the panel featured three distinguished journalists:
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Rana Ayyub – Indian journalist and columnist for The Washington Post, known for her investigative reporting on issues such as corruption and human rights abuses in India.
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George Packer – Staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century, who has reported extensively on global political dynamics.
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Patricia Evangelista – a Filipina journalist and trauma reporter for Rappler, recognized for her in-depth coverage of conflict zones and human rights issues in the Philippines.
The panelists shared personal experiences and insights into the challenges they face in their respective countries, where state-led censorship, legal threats, and physical violence against journalists are becoming increasingly common. They discussed the vital role of independent journalism in holding power to account and the moral imperative to continue reporting despite the risks.
This closing night event underscored the PEN World Voices Festival’s commitment to defending free expression and supporting journalists who confront authoritarianism and repression. By bringing together voices from diverse global contexts, the festival highlighted the universal struggle for press freedom and the importance of solidarity in the face of mounting challenges.
Reference –
2025 PEN World Voices Festival Closing Night: Journalism Under Siege
