We have received this information from our colleagues in English PEN as part of their PENWrites campaign. Please follow the links to learn more about Mahvash Sabet, to read some of her memoir, and to write her a message of solidarity.
If you write to her, please say that you are a member of Irish PEN. This helps them with their records.
Mahvash Sabet is an award-winning poet and teacher from Iran. In 2017, she was chosen as the winner of the PEN Pinter Prize for a Writer of Courage by fellow poet Michael Longley.
Having already spent several long years in detention between 2008 and 2017, Mahvash Sabet was once again arrested in Iran in July 2022. She has since been sentenced to a further ten years in prison on spurious charges.
PEN is deeply concerned by reports that Sabet has been subjected to torture in detention. We continue to call for her immediate and unconditional release, and for the release of the many other Iranians currently in detention in violation of their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
English PEN has announced Mahvash Sabet as an Honorary Member.She is featured in their ongoing PENWrites campaign. Please take a few moments to send her a message of solidarity and hope.
You can read some of Mahvash Sabet’s memoir and poetry here:
PEN Friends