Announcement of partnership event with the inaugural Emirates Airlines International Festival of Literature in Dubai on the subject of Censorship

19 February 2009

Further to recent media reports regarding the reputed banning of Geraldine Bedell's novel from the inaugural Emirates Airlines International Festival of Literature in Dubai and the subsequent withdrawal of International PEN Vice President Margaret Atwood from the programme; International PEN will stage an event in partnership with the festival exploring the issue of censorship at the festival on Saturday 28^th February.

Whilst International PEN greatly regrets the festival's decision not to include Geraldine Bedell on the basis of the content of her novel, it is important to clarify that Geraldine Bedell and her book have not been banned in the region as some reports have suggested and that, whilst the book was submitted for consideration, it was never included in the festival programme. Therefore it was never withdrawn. It could not have been present at the festival in published form, as its publication date is April 2^nd.

The event will include a panel of international writers and will explore the issue of censorship and the cultural pre-conceptions which we hold regarding the acceptable limits of freedom of expression.

International Secretary, Eugene Schoulgin commented, "Literary festivals such as the International Festival of Literature in Dubai create an important opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding. The staging of this event exploring the issue of censorship will ensure that this takes place." Margaret Atwood will attempt to be at the panel via video link, if the equipment can be made available.

Director of International PEN, Caroline McCormick added, "It is the role of International PEN not only to highlight censorship wherever it exists but, where differences arise, to facilitate dialogue to enable understanding. This is the function which we will be undertaking at the festival."

About International PEN
Founded in 1921 to promote literature, today International PEN has 144 Centres in 102 countries across the globe. It recognises that literature is essential to understanding and engaging with other worlds; if you can't hear the voice of another culture how can you understand it?

Our primary goal is to engage with, and empower, societies and communities across cultures and languages, through reading and writing. We believe that writers can play a crucial role in changing and developing civil society. We do this through the promotion of literature, international campaigning on issues such as translation and freedom of expression and improving access to literature at international, regional and national levels.

Our membership is open to all published writers who subscribe to the PEN Charter regardless of nationality, language, race, colour or religion. International PEN is a non-political organisation and has special consultative status at UNESCO and the United Nations.