The award, which was established in playwright Harold Pinter’s honor, is given to authors who exhibit “outstanding literary merit” and “unflinching” observation of the world.
The declaration was made a few weeks after Indian authorities decided to take legal action against Roy for remarks she made fourteen years prior under anti-terror laws.
Author Roy, who won the Booker Prize, has written about capitalism and war around the world, as well as human rights issues in India.
Will Arundhati Roy go to jail for her remarks from 14 years ago?
“She is a true internationalist, even though India is still a major concern for her.
The government of Narendra Modi may bring charges against writer and campaigner Roy, 62, over remarks she made in 2010 regarding Kashmir, a contentious issue in India.
She is a divisive figure whose writings and speeches have frequently drawn the ire of right-wing organizations.
Roy has been vocal in her criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for allegedly targeting Muslims. She has also discussed how press liberties in India have decreased under Mr. Modi’s leadership.
On October 10, she will be awarded the PEN Pinter Prize in an event that the British Library is co-hosting.
