Press release March 11th, 2026
PEN Berlin at the Leipzig Book Fair 2026: Sansal, von Redecker, Yermolenko
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) discuss 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 discussion with Viktor Jerofeyev (writer). Moderation: Elisabeth Ruge (publisher and 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 discussion 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 Truth Become Dangerous?”
Conversation with Boualem Sansal (writer), followed by a panel discussion with Irina Scherbakova (historian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate), Katajun Amirpur (journalist and scholar of Islamic studies), Thea Dorn (author and spokesperson for 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 (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 discussion with Wolodymyr Yermolenko (philosopher and President of PEN Ukraine). Moderation: Andreas Rostek (publisher). More information
Location: Museum in der “Runden Ecke” Memorial, Dittrichring 24, 04109 Leipzig
An event by edition.fotoTAPETA in cooperation with PEN Berlin
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