Ali Abu Yasin has been named this year's PEN International Writer of Courage. Presented to a writer "who is active in defense of freedom of expression, often at great risk to their own safety and liberty," the honor was announced by 2026 PEN Pinter Prize winner Jacqueline Rose. Abu Yasin was selected as co-winner by Rose in collaboration with English PEN's Writers at Risk Program. Baroness Helena Kennedy delivered the encomium.
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| Jacqueline Rose and Ali Abu Yasin (photo: George Torode) |
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Since the 1990s, Abu Yasin has used theater as a space "to explore the Palestinian experience, daily life under occupation, war, and the power of art to resist violence. During this time, he has been subject to censorship and seen some of his plays banned or restricted," English PEN noted. "He has also been unable to attend key cultural festivals and events due to restrictions on his travel, including the 2019 Sundance festival for the premiere of the documentary film Gaza, in which he stars. Abu Yasin has worked with Ashtar Theatre since 2008, where he developed and directed the first Gaza Monologues, which have been performed and translated worldwide. His play was featured in Tomorrow Will Be a Palestinian Day, a collection of nine plays, performed at Theatre 503 in London in June 2026."
Rose commented: "A plaint and a call for justice, a cry of outrage and a spiritual quest, the writing, plays and performances of Ali Abu Yasin know no boundary between the world we live and die in, and the words we write and we speak. An activist from Gaza going back many years before October 7, 2023, he has been the consistent chronicler of the harshness and cruelty of Palestinian existence, and the mentor of young people struggling to pluck meaning from the debris of their lives. I am bowled over by his courage and tenacity, the way he captures moments of humanity and resilience out of the dark, firing up a new generation never to give up on the future."
Accepting the award, Abu Yasin said, "This award carries special significance because the distinguished writer and activist Jacqueline Rose selected me to share it with her. Jacqueline is one of the most sincere and courageous voices championing the Palestinian cause today. She has devoted years of her life to advocating for our people and their right to freedom and justice.
"At the same time, this award deeply resonates with me because it bears the name of Harold Pinter, who believed in humanity and stood firmly against wars and oppressive regimes. Early in my career, I had the honor of staging his play One for the Road in Palestine. I never wrote in pursuit of an award; I wrote because I believe that death is voiceless, but our voices never die.
"Words are what grant us life when death closes in around us; a person may die, but their words transcend time. And yet, I do not feel brave when I consider an entire people who have faced war with steadfast resilience, loss, hunger, and death. Accordingly, I dedicate this award to the people of Gaza and to every writer who has chosen to navigate the vast sea of words--no matter how fierce the storm--while holding fast to the compass of freedom and truth."