PEN America cancels literary awards after writers’ boycott over Israel-Hamas war

PEN America cancels literary awards after writers’ boycott over Israel-Hamas war (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

PEN America has cancelled its annual literary awards after dozens of nominated writers withdrew their work in protest over its response to the Israel-Hamas war.

The writers organisation, which is dedicated to protecting free expression, said of the 61 authors and translators nominated for a book award, 28 writers chose to withdraw their books from consideration.