Worldwide readings and screenings

On March 20, 2006 was initiated the “Anniversary of the Political Lie” and “Worldwide Readings” to mark the third anniversary of the Iraq war. These readings now take place once or twice a year, highlighting figures like Edward Snowden, Anna Politkovskaya, and Mahmoud Darwish, and fostering awareness of political communication. Since 2025, Bebelplatz e.V. has coordinated these readings and international screenings.

Most recent reading (April 6, 2025): In solidarity with imprisoned Algerian author Boualem Sansal

Sansal was arrested on November 16, 2024, upon returning to Algiers from France, without charge. The state-controlled media distanced itself from his political positions and his comments on geopolitical matters. The 75-year-old author—winner of multiple international awards—faces a long prison sentence. Despite surveillance and professional repercussions, he remained in Algeria and continued to publish under his real name.

The international literature festival Odessa called for global readings of Sansal’s texts in public spaces, transit systems, schools, universities, and theaters. Interested individuals and institutions were asked to register by March 30, 2025.

You can find more information about the worldwide readings here.

Supporters include:

Anthony Appiah, USA
Sigrid Bousset, Belgien
Brian Castro, Australien
Jennifer Clement, USA/Mexiko
John M. Coetzee, Südafrika/Australien
Hemant Divate, Indien
Andrei Kurkov, Ukraine
Anthony Appiah, USA
Carmen Boullosa, Mexiko
Stefan Hertmans, Belgien 
Judith Hermann, Deutschland
Burghart Klaußner, Deutschland
Jakub Maleki, Polen
Marko Martin, Deutschland
Paavo Matsin, Estland
Francesca Melandri, Italien
Kallia Papadaki, Griechenland
Nii Ayikwei Parkes, Ghana
David Van Reybrouck, Belgien
Janna Teller, Dänemark
Jeroen Theunissen, Belgien
Stephan Thome, Deutschland
Ian Wedde, Neuseeland
Anna Weidenholzer, Österreich
Eliot Weinberger, USA
Yang Lian, China/ UK
Haris Vlavianos, Griechenland