Each year on 15 November, we observe the global #DayOfTheImprisonedWriter — a #powerful moment to stand in #solidarity with #writers who have been #silenced, #persecuted or #incarcerated for daring to speak truth through #words. This day #honours their #courage, #calls out repression and affirms that the #freedom to #write and express #ideas is vital to all of us. It reminds us that when a #writer is imprisoned, we all lose a #voice, a #storyteller, a #guardian of ideas.
History of Day of the Imprisoned Writer
The origin of the Day of the Imprisoned Writer goes back to 1981, when PEN International (specifically its Writers in Prison Committee) established this annual observance.
The aim was to draw attention to the fundamental right of free expression and to highlight the plight of writers who, simply by doing their work—writing, reporting, publishing—faced detention, harassment, or worse.
Over time, the day has come to include campaigns, letters of appeal, public readings, and international mobilisation in support of writers at risk.
Importance of Day of the Imprisoned Writer
The importance of the Day of the Imprisoned Writer lies in several interconnected reasons:
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Writing is not a luxury, but a vital instrument of truth, dissent, and cultural expression.
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It highlights human rights — freedom of expression is universal, yet around the world, writers continue to face imprisonment and persecution.
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It draws attention to censorship and repression, symptoms of deeper erosion of democratic values.
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It encourages people to act through solidarity, letters, and awareness campaigns.
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It memorialises writers who have died or gone missing because of their work, reminding us that the cost of silence can be tragic.
When Day of the Imprisoned Writer is Celebrated
The Day of the Imprisoned Writer is celebrated annually on 15 November.
The date was chosen by PEN International as a yearly focal point for campaigns supporting imprisoned writers.
Though the exact reason for choosing 15 November is not publicly documented, decades of observance have established it as a globally recognised date symbolising freedom of expression and solidarity.
Significance of Day of the Imprisoned Writer
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It symbolises resistance: every imprisoned writer stands for the fight for freedom of thought.
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It serves as a rallying point for writers, educators, and activists to stand united.
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It shines a spotlight on cases of imprisoned writers, bringing them global attention.
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It reminds society that the freedom to write and read is still under threat in many regions.
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It keeps alive the memory of writers who were killed or forced into exile.
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It is a moral commitment to defend truth and imagination.
Why Day of the Imprisoned Writer is Celebrated
The Day of the Imprisoned Writer is celebrated to:
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Honour the courage of writers who keep writing despite imprisonment or persecution.
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Raise awareness that freedom of writing is not guaranteed everywhere.
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Mobilise global action—through readings, letters, fundraising, and advocacy.
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Challenge censorship and promote the value of free speech.
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Celebrate the power of the written word to enlighten, resist, and inspire.
How Day of the Imprisoned Writer is Celebrated
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Public readings of works by imprisoned writers, often marked with an empty chair symbolising absence.
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Letter-writing campaigns and solidarity messages sent to prisoners and their families.
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Social media activism using hashtags like #DayoftheImprisonedWriter.
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Panel discussions, seminars, and exhibitions on censorship and freedom of expression.
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Educational programmes in schools and colleges to inspire awareness among students.
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Donations and sponsorships for organisations defending writers’ rights.
Countries Where Day of the Imprisoned Writer is Celebrated
The Day of the Imprisoned Writer is celebrated globally:
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PEN centres across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East hold events.
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Writers from countries such as China, Iran, Mexico, and Liberia are frequently highlighted.
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In places where public observance is difficult, online campaigns and small gatherings ensure participation.
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The spirit of the day transcends borders and unites the global literary community.
How Citizens Involve Themselves
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Educate themselves and others about imprisoned writers.
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Participate in solidarity activities and global awareness campaigns.
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Organise public readings, discussions, or poetry events on 15 November.
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Use social media platforms to amplify stories and share posts.
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Support exiled writers by translating, publishing, or promoting their works.
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Advocate at local levels for recognition of the day in schools and communities.
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Commit to supporting free expression throughout the year, not just on one day.
Theme for Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2025
The theme for 2025 is:
“Words Behind Bars – Honour, Support, Release.”
The focus for this year is on giving visibility to imprisoned writers, celebrating their resilience, and mobilising communities worldwide to support their freedom.
10 Famous Quotes for the Day of the Imprisoned Writer
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“If we censor them, we stop them. That is the end of art and the beginning of tyranny.”
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“The writer’s only real weapon is words; when those words become dangerous, silence is demanded.”
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“Putting a writer in prison is putting a whole world in chains.”
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“Freedom of expression is not a privilege; it is a right of every person who dares to speak.”
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“When a writer is silenced, the truth becomes the first casualty.”
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“Let us stand with the imprisoned pen, because the mind that cannot write is under siege.”
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“No prison cell can lock the imagination of a writer who still dreams of freedom.”
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“Writers are the chroniclers of injustice — and that is why many powers fear them.”
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“Solidarity with the silenced writer is solidarity with a silenced society.”
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“Where a writer is locked away, freedom of thought is compromised for all.”
FAQs
Q1. What is the Day of the Imprisoned Writer?
A. It is a global day observed on 15 November to recognise and support writers imprisoned for their words.
Q2. Who started it?
A. The Writers in Prison Committee of PEN International launched it in 1981.
Q3. Why is 15 November chosen?
A. The date was chosen by PEN International as a consistent annual marker for advocacy and remembrance.
Q4. What is its main purpose?
A. To raise awareness about imprisoned writers, promote freedom of expression, and inspire global solidarity.
Q5. Which organisations are involved?
A. PEN International, national PEN centres, human rights groups, universities, and literary organisations.
Q6. Which countries observe it?
A. It is celebrated worldwide—across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Q7. Are there specific writers highlighted each year?
A. Yes, PEN International selects several writers annually to spotlight and advocate for their release.
Q8. What is the theme for 2025?
A. “Words Behind Bars – Honour, Support, Release.”
Q9. How can individuals participate?
A. Attend events, share social media posts, write letters, and support campaigns for imprisoned writers.
Q10. Why is this day important for everyone, not just writers?
A. Because the imprisonment of a writer signifies an attack on truth, creativity, and free thought—values essential to all people.
Q11. How can students contribute?
A. By organising discussions, essay competitions, or awareness drives within schools and colleges.
Q12. Can writers in exile take part?
A. Absolutely. Writers in exile often lead campaigns and speak for those who cannot.
Q13. What symbols are used to mark the day?
A. An empty chair often symbolises writers who are imprisoned or missing.
Q14. How does this day influence global awareness?
A. It draws media attention, mobilises governments, and creates international pressure for the release of imprisoned writers.
Q15. What is the key message of the day?
A. That words should never be a crime, and imprisoning a writer is an attack on the human right to think and speak freely.
Conclusion
On the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, we reflect on the courage of those who continue to write despite confinement, threats, or exile.
We also reaffirm our shared responsibility to defend the freedom of the written word, protect the right to think and challenge, and ensure that no prison cell can confine imagination.
When a writer is imprisoned, society loses not just a person, but a voice — a voice that could inspire generations.
Let 15 November be more than remembrance; let it be a call to action.
Because when one writer’s pen is silenced, the world’s conscience grows quieter.
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Someshwar Chowdhury is a seasoned Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Educator, and Technology enthusiast with over a decade of experience in engineering education and consultancy. Someshwar is also an active blogger, trainer, and member of professional bodies like ISHRAE and GREEN ADD+. When not teaching or consulting, he enjoys blogging, music, and exploring green technologies.
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