Press release of 1 October 2025
On Chefket’s disinvitation: »Are you now the Federal Minister of Jerseys, Mr. Weimer?«
We believe that anti-Semitism is always unacceptable. Always. Everywhere. This was the message of our call for a rally in Klütz on Monday, following the decision to disinvite journalist Michel Friedman. The rally addressed important issues, such as the autonomy of art and freedom of expression in a democracy. No sooner had we returned from Klütz than we had a few more questions:
1. Chefket, judging by your songs, you have no problem with the existence of Israel. So what is the reason for the jersey showing a map of Palestine with no room for Israel?
2. Mr Böhmermann, without freedom of art and expression, there would be no ZDF Magazin Royale, no defamatory poems and no satire. So, why exactly did you first invite Chefket to perform (on 7 October, of all days)? And why exactly did you then disinvite him? What did the man do right and then wrong? Does the desire for provocation reliably end where one would really have to confront power?
3. Those responsible at the House of World Cultures: what about the open dialogue that your institution stands for? If he had taken to the stage, Chefket could have explained what he means by »Free Palestine”, he could have clarified a misunderstanding or admitted a mistake and thus opened a dialogue. That opportunity has now been wasted.
4. Mr Weimer, your announcement to »broaden the corridors (…) of what can be said, explored and represented instead of narrowing them« sounded good. But do you only mean freedom of expression as the freedom to represent the opinion of the Minister of State for Culture? As you are aware, the state in Germany promotes the autonomy of art and cultural institutions. »Why is a politician interfering in the programming of a literary centre?« Michel Friedman asked the day before yesterday in Klütz. Absolutely correct, Mr. Weimer, you are more than welcome to apply this question to yourself. Or are you now the federal minister of jerseys?
PEN Berlin. We stand by our word.