Press release of 2 October 2025
On Susanne Dagen’s disinvitation: »Either don’t invite, or take the fallout — but don’t disinvite«
Five comments on the disinvitation of Susanne Dagen, bookseller, publisher and cultural policy spokesperson for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the Dresden City Council, from the »Denkfest« in Landau.
1. In the US, we can currently see what the loud demands of right-wing populists for freedom of expression are worth: nothing. The same applies to the AfD. While it may put up posters saying »Time for free speech«, many statements by its leading figures, not to mention countless motions by its local factions, leave no doubt that, if given the opportunity, Ms Dagen’s party would cancel everything and everyone who does not fit into its narrow-minded worldview.
2. There are understandable arguments for rejecting direct confrontation with supposedly liberal-minded individuals who are, in fact, enemies of freedom. (Not: »Don’t give them a platform« – they already have their own.’) Equally, there are understandable arguments for considering this strategy a failure and looking for other ways. Every cultural organiser must decide this for themselves.
3. Inviting a voice that can reasonably claim to represent 30 per cent of voters is legitimate, especially at an event funded by public money. It is equally legitimate to protest against this on one’s own behalf or on behalf of the remaining 70 per cent. In an open, pluralistic society, the battle of opinions is not a well-tempered dispute between distinguished academics. It can sometimes take the form of a scuffle — figuratively speaking, not literally. However, threats of violence are out of the question, regardless of who makes them or who they are directed against. No cause, no matter how noble, justifies violence or threats of violence against a discussion event.
4. Nobody is obliged to invite Susanne Dagen. But if an organiser decides to do so, as in the case of the Mannheim »Denkfest« with Hamed Abdel-Samad, Meron Mendel, Susan Neiman and many others, then one can expect them to stand by this invitation. Last week, PEN Berlin’s press release on the disinvitation of Michel Friedman in Klütz stated: »Organisers are responsible for the safety of their guests and audience members. If there are justified security concerns about a guest or topic, these must be taken seriously. However, it is then the state’s responsibility to ensure everyone’s safety. Concerns about possible disturbances from any side can never be an argument for cancelling an event«. This always applies, including in this case.
5. The value of the word ‘endure’ becomes clear when there is something genuine to endure. Anyone who applies different standards to the disinvitation of Michel Friedman in Klütz, Chefket from Berlin’s House of World Cultures or Susanne Dagen in Mannheim, for example, loses credibility. Freedom of expression, art and the press apply not only when it suits you, but also when it doesn’t. Especially then.
PEN Berlin. We stand by our word.