The PEN Pinter Prize, established in 2009 by English PEN in memory of Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter, carries with it a legacy of truth-telling. It celebrates a Commonwealth or UK-based writer who mirrors the late Pinter’s unflinching commitment to speaking truth to power. As part of the prize, the awardee selects a ‘Writer of Courage,’ often someone who has faced persecution for their beliefs. This year, Roy’s choice of Abd el-Fattah was not just an act of solidarity but a powerful statement against global injustices—drawing a line between her activism for the oppressed in India and Palestine, and Abd el-Fattah’s fight for freedom in Egypt.
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Arundhati Roy’s career has been one of balancing the roles of an author and an activist. From her Booker Prize-winning novel The God of Small Things to her trenchant critiques of corporate globalization, nationalism, and state violence, Roy has never flinched from controversy. Over the years, she has lent her voice to issues ranging from indigenous rights in India to the injustices faced by marginalized communities. Yet, it is her unwavering support for political prisoners, whether in India or abroad, that stands out as a core aspect of her activism.
Alaa Abd el-Fattah, the ‘Writer of Courage’ Roy chose to share the award with, has long been a symbol of resistance in Egypt. As a software developer, writer, and activist, Abd el-Fattah rose to prominence during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. However, his activism has come at a great personal cost—since 2011, he has spent most of his life in prison. His writings, including his prison letters and articles, offer a rare and insightful glimpse into the brutal realities of state repression in Egypt. Despite the oppressive circumstances, his words continue to inspire millions around the world.
