In the United Kingdom we tend to take our freedom of
expression for granted. Most of us have grown up being able to say what we want
and with very little consequence if we do say something that is out of turn. As much as us brits love to complain we should be thankful
that we live in a country where we can express how we feel without fear of persecution.
Scottish PEN, part of the International Pen network spread
over 100 countries, campaigns for the freedom of expression in places where
this simple human right is suppressed. PEN is committed to campaigning
for writers under threat as well
as supporting cross-cultural exchanges to build co-operation and
fellowship amongst writers.
“Literature knows no frontiers and must remain common
currency among people in spite of political or international upheavals”. – Scottish PEN
The Scottish PEN event as part of Wigtown Book Festival
surprised me, how sombre I felt after hearing the writers: Kirsty Gunn, Pippa
Goldschmidt, Andrew Cassell and Chrys Salt reading aloud articles by those who
champion freedom of expression. The event was chaired by Jean Rafferty, a
highly credited journalist, who has written award winning pieces on shocking
subjects such as torture, suicide, murder and prostitution.
Andrew Casell read from a James Harkin’s piece from The
Guardian.
“My father went back to Homs and he saw our house and my
brother’s house. They’ve taken everything. The army broke the locks to search for
weapons, and later let the Sabiha rob our houses. They have stolen everything
they can carry – fridges, washing machines, cookers – and broken everything
they can’t”. My brother got married two
years ago and spent everything he had on his new house. But they’ve even taken
the taps. I’m very sad. I miss Homs, but we can’t go back”.
At every Scottish PEN event stands an empty chair
representing those that are imprisoned, in hiding or the deceased. To remember
them and applaud their fight against the regimes that silenced others.
When I think things I worry about such as the rain or not
having time for a coffee they do not compare to the above concerns.
Although the UK does have problems most of us live a comfortable
life when compared to the atrocities that happen in countries like Syria where
blood is shed due to religion and Mexico where according to Mexico’s National
Human Rights commission 74 media workers have been killed since 2000.
We have the advantage of being able to speak out freely
against our government and anything else we feel discontent about; the freedom
is also there to speak out for those that cannot speak out for themselves.
If freedom of expression is something you feel passionate
about find out more at: www.scottishpen.org.
New members are always welcome. You will
be joining an international community, exchanging experiences and ideas with
fellow writers and reaching new readers through events and projects.
Do not let those who are silenced remain in silence; we have the power to speak for them.
Sounds like an amazing initiative. I am off to check out the website to learn more!
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