Over 200 writers have signed a letter objecting to the decision by PEN American Center to give its annual Freedom of Expression Courage award to the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. Among the signatories are former JAI director Russell Shorto and friend of the institute Michael Cunningham, as well as Teju Cole, Junot Díaz, and Rachel Kushner. The letter was drafted after six writers declined to attend the PEN Literary Gala on May 5th, adding a new twist to the continuing debate over the publication’s status as a martyr for free speech.
