Press release of March 11, 2026
PEN Berlin at the Leipzig Book Fair 2026: Sansal, Yerofeyev, Yermolenko and others
PEN Berlin will be at the Leipzig Book Fair on March 19 with an internationally composed programme. We are especially pleased to welcome the first appearance in Germany by the French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal since his release in November 2025. Together with Irina Scherbakowa, Katajun Amirpur and Thea Dorn, Boualem Sansal will discuss freedom of expression and the dangers faced by writers in repressive systems at the Paulinum.
Here is an overview of our full fair programme:
Thursday, March 19
12:20-13:05
»The Great Disillusionment. Consequences of a Newly Emerging World Order«
Eva von Redecker (philosopher and author) and Jörg Lau (journalist and author) in conversation about the danger of a new fascism and Germany’s responsibility in the world. Moderation: Linn Penelope Rieger (author, PEN Berlin board member). More information
Location: Leipzig Book Fair, Forum Offene Gesellschaft, Hall 5 | Stand K500
13:15-14:00
»The Barbarian Next Door. How Russia Is Turning into a Horror Story«
Book presentation and conversation with Viktor Yerofeyev (writer). Moderation: Elisabeth Ruge (publisher, literary agent). More information
Location: Leipzig Book Fair, Forum Offene Gesellschaft, Hall 5 | Stand K500
14:00-14:50
»A Culture of Nevertheless. How Ukraine Helps Europe«
Book presentation and conversation with Wolodymyr Yermolenko (philosopher and President of PEN Ukraine). Moderation: Andreas Rostek (publisher). More information
Location: Leipzig Book Fair, Ukrainian Book Institute Stand, Hall 4| Stand D311
An event by edition.fotoTAPETA in cooperation with PEN Berlin
19.30-21:00
»What Is True and When Can That Become Dangerous?«
Conversation with Boualem Sansal (writer), panel discussion with Irina Scherbakowa (historian, Nobel Peace Prize laureate), Katajun Amirpur (journalist and scholar of Islamic studies), Thea Dorn (author and spokesperson of PEN Berlin) and Boualem Sansal on Algeria, Iran, Russia and the security situation for writers. Moderation: Natascha Freundel (journalist). More information
Location: Paulinum – Aula and University Church of St. Pauli, Neues Augusteum, 04109 Leipzig
An event by the German Publishers and Booksellers Association in cooperation with PEN Berlin, the Foundation Freedom of Expression, Merlin Verlag, radio3 from rbb, and the Leipzig Initiative for the Release of Boualem Sansal
20:00-21:15
»A Culture of Nevertheless. How Ukraine Helps Europe«
Book presentation and conversation with Wolodymyr Yermolenko (philosopher and President of PEN Ukraine). Moderation: Andreas Rostek (publisher). More information
Location: Museum in der Runden Ecke Memorial Museum, Dittrichring 24, 04109 Leipzig
An event by edition.fotoTAPETA in cooperation with PEN Berlin
PEN Berlin. We stand by our word.