PEN Berlin Faces Internal Turmoil Over Divisive Middle East Resolution

A narrowly approved resolution on the Gaza conflict has led to public resignations and sharp criticism, threatening the unity of the writers' association.

PEN Berlin's resolution on the Gaza conflict, passed by a slim margin of 83 to 82 votes, attempts to balance criticism of Hamas and Israeli military actions.
The resolution named individuals killed in Gaza, including controversial figures, sparking backlash from members who publicly distanced themselves from the statement.
A group of 25 members, dissatisfied with the resolution's perceived compromises, resigned and criticized the leadership for prioritizing politics over the organization's core mission.
The leadership, including Deniz Yücel and Thea Dorn, has been accused of mismanagement and turning the group into a politicized entity, undermining its original purpose of supporting persecuted writers.
The internal conflict risks overshadowing PEN Berlin's broader mission of advocating for freedom of expression and aiding writers facing repression worldwide.