According to PEN America's annual Freedom to Write Index, the number of imprisoned writers in China has exceeded 100 for the first time, with a total of 339 writers incarcerated in 2023, the highest in the past five years. The report highlights the increasing threats against writers, particularly in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. The crackdown on writers, especially female writers in Iran, and the rise in jailed online commentators are notable concerns. The organization also notes that geopolitical shifts and authoritarian tendencies are putting free expression and writers at risk in a wider range of countries. Additionally, the article discusses the cancellation of PEN America's literary awards ceremony and the increasing danger faced by journalists globally, with 320 journalists incarcerated as of December 1, 2023. The report emphasizes the broader impact of imprisoning dissenting voices on society, leading to reduced discussion, discourse, and self-censorship.