Press release of 23 September 2025
Rally in Klütz: »Violence begins where talking ends«
The decision to disinvite our founding member Michel Friedman from the Uwe Johnson Literature House in Klütz (Mecklenburg) has caused irritation – including for us. It is regrettable that the event planned for October 2026 has been cancelled. This event was to mark the 120th birthday of Hannah Arendt.
This creates an impression that no one who cares about democracy, art, or civilised exchange would want.
That is why we are calling for a rally on 29 September at 5 p.m. at the market square in Klütz.
We have borrowed the first part of our motto from Hannah Arendt: »Violence begins where speech ends – for a strong civil society in Klütz and everywhere«
We cannot judge which of the publicly stated reasons led to Michel Friedman’s disinvitation and to what extent. That is why we are upholding four principles, which the rally in Klütz will also advocate:
1. Cultural life in Germany is regulated for good reason, ensuring that even culture funded by public money is not directly subject to the executive branch’s decision-making power. No mayor, head of authority or minister decides whether a literary institution invites a particular author or whether a theatre stages a particular play. The autonomy of culture must be preserved.
2. Event organisers are responsible for the safety of their guests and audience members. If there are justified safety concerns about a guest or topic, these must be taken seriously. However, in this case, it is the state’s responsibility to ensure the safety of all. Concerns about (possible) disturbances, regardless of their source, can never justify cancelling an event. It is unacceptable to bow down in advance to people who are not interested in criticism, but in obstruction. Heated debate is part of a vibrant culture – cancelling and counter-cancelling are not.
3. Even the claim that the costs are too high cannot justify cancelling an event, especially if a cultural institution is able to raise funds for it. The argument that an author’s appearance is not »suitable« for a municipality is not a valid argument.
4. Anti-Semitism is unacceptable. Always. Everywhere.
Speakers:
Oliver Hintz, director of the Literaturhaus Klütz
Michel Friedman, philosopher and author
Thea Dorn, writer and PEN Berlin spokesperson
The audience at the rally is invited to participate in the discussion.
PEN Berlin. Wir stehen im Wort.