Last week an American artist by the name of Ashley Olsen was strangled to death in her apartment in Florence. She lived in the Oltre Arno, a bohemian neighbourhood inhabited by artists and a part of the city I am familiar with. I too lived there. It is horrific to learn that Olsen’s life was snatched away from her in this barbaric way leaving her family and loved ones traumatised and grieving.

In Saudi Arabia a Palestinian poet and curator by the name of Ashraf Fayadh, who is a refugee and grew up in Saudi, is facing the death sentence for apostasy.

This verdict is shocking and outrageous and governments worldwide should strongly caution Saudi Arabia to commit to more humane laws.

The readings of Fayadh’s poetry at 122 events in 44 countries are calling on the US to put pressure on Saudi Arabia to halt this beheading. I have the list of the countries participating in the readings of Faydeh’s poetry.

What is so compelling here is the reaction of artists from countries who are culturally diverse but who have taken a stand together.

Hundreds of writers worldwide, including Irvine Welsh Al Kennedy and Ruth Padel, are taking part in a worldwide reading in support of Faydeh. Indeed can artists afford to remain silent in such circumstances?