Several Writers Withdraw from Event Because Charlie Hebdo Will Receive Freedom of Expression Courage Award

One of the programs run by the PEN American Center aims to “defend writers and protect free expression in the United States and around the world.” So it makes sense that this year’s Freedom of Expression Courage Award will be given to the staff (or what remains of it) of Charlie Hebdo.

That decision has caused several authors to withdraw from the group’s upcoming gala:

In an email to PEN’s leadership on Friday, [Rachel] Kushner said she was withdrawing out of discomfort with what she called the...