Due to English PEN’s various free speech campaigns, I’ve been cited in a couple of print publications recently. I welcomed Jack Straw’s announcements on libel reform in The Bookseller, and celebrated a minor victory on Criminal Memoirs for Inside Time. There doesn’t seem to be a permalink for the latter article, so I’m reproducing it below.
Criminal Memoirs
English PEN have produced a briefing document on the proposed new Criminal Memoirs law.
A new scheme will seize assets from ex-offenders who write about their crimes. All types of art and media will be affected, and there are few safeguards to prevent abuse.
English PEN is calling on the Government to withdraw the proposed new law from the Coroners & Justice Bill, and to consult with prisoner groups and rehabilitation charities.