Australian Journalist Peter Greste has been announced as PEN Sydney's special guest speaker at this year's Sydney Writer's Festival.
Since 9/11, the number of journalists who have been imprisoned for their work has risen steadily. 2017 saw a record number behind bars; most for “crimes against the state”, like treason, sedition, or terrorism.
Academic and journalist Peter Greste, who was himself imprisoned on terrorism charges, examines the way press freedom has steadily eroded to the point where it is now at its worst this century, and how Australia’s new national security laws are a troubling continuation of that trend.
Greste has worked as a correspondent for Reuters, CNN and the BBC, predominantly in the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. His book, Freeing Peter, written with his family who spearheaded an international media campaign to champion his release, was published in 2016.
“The War on Journalism – how 9/11 changed everything” will be on Wednesday, 2 May 2 2018, Seymour Centre, Everest Theatre.
Tickets are on sale now. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Book here on the Sydney Writer's Festival website.