Overview

• Police said about 500 people gathered on the Klütz market square for a PEN Berlin–organized discussion with Michel Friedman.
• Friedman questioned why a mayor would influence a literature house’s program and urged protection of artistic and opinion freedom.
• Several speakers voiced support for Mayor Jürgen Mevius, who has announced he will step down at the end of October.
• Some participants criticized literature house director Oliver Hintz for not standing by his invitation to Friedman.
• PEN Berlin’s Thea Dorn praised the frank, largely civil exchange as a practical lesson in democratic debate.