Welcome to a panel discussion where voices in exile meet to talk about democracy, freedom of expression and the power of words.
The conversation explores why free speech plays a crucial role in a democratic society, and how people continue to create, write and resist even when forced to leave their homeland. A conversation for those who want to understand the world through personal stories, sharp perspectives and courageous voices that refuse to be silent.
CONTRIBUTION
Mahabad Felat – Kurdish writer, poet and cultural worker with long experience of writing about exile, identity and freedom of expression. His texts often move between the personal and the political, and he uses poetry as a way to preserve language, memories and experiences that are at risk of being silenced. He is active in cultural contexts where he raises questions about democracy, minority rights and the importance of words as a force for resilience in exile.
Peo Hansen – Professor of Political Science at Linköping University and Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University in Bologna. He has written, among others, the books Eurafrica: The Untold History of European Integration and Colonialism (with Stefan Jonsson); and The Migration Myth: The Truth About Refugee Immigration and Welfare – A New Economic Paradigm.
Ragıp Zarakolu – one of Turkey’s most famous publishers and human rights activists, known for his courage in publishing banned and controversial works and for his lifelong defense of freedom of expression. He currently lives in exile in Sweden after decades of legal harassment and threats in Turkey.
Moderator: Pontus Plænge – director, actor and artistic director. He is an established and versatile theatre personality with over 30 years of experience. He is particularly known for his work with Shakespeare, both as an actor and director, and for his long-standing role as artistic director of the Shakespeare Factory in Vadstena.
WHERE?
Linköping City Library
WHEN?
Saturday 25 April, 2–4 pm
Free admission
The conversation is arranged by PEN Östergötland and Linköping City Library.
https://www.svenskapen.se/program/2026/4/25/ord-over-granser?fbclid=IwY2xjawRKAhdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeFak4oXQZNXPsBlf5EuTzIXgtwsdA9iDxWwIomrPh_jBnvhy2BMc7cR6mC0A_aem_J28deizgK0dZHNsE0A9JMQ