The Irish PEN/PEn na hÉireann Freedom to Write event has become a popular fixture at the John Hewitt International Summer School (Armagh). This year was no exception. The 120-seat theatre was booked out, with a waiting list (tickets were free thanks to a generous grant from Dublin Unesco City of Literature). Caoilfhionn Gallagher spoke eloquently about the increasingly systematic suppression of press freedom around the world. Our Empty Chair featured journalist, editor and digital media CEO Mzia Amalglobeli from Georgia. Mzia has been held in detention since January 2025 on spurious charges. Her complaints of ill-treatment have yet to be investigated. Her story is so compelling that 84 members of the audience were moved to write postcards of support in a heart-warming gesture of international support and solidarity. FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW IN OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER.

With huge thanks to the Dublin Unesco City of Literature office for sponsoring this event, to the John Hewitt Society and the Marketplace Theatre, Armagh for hosting us.