"Friedman is a Jewish journalist, talk show host and former member of Germany's conservative CDU party and had previously served as vice-chairman of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. He was born in France but holds German citizenship. Friedman took the stage on Monday to address his supporters, telling them: "I'm with you now, and I think we fit together very well." But why was Friedman's reading canceled in the first place? Did local politicians and decision-makers prefer not to have him in their town, fearing his presence may spark far-right riots? Or is the entire affair nothing but a big misunderstanding?"
"Invited, then uninvited Friedman was initially invited to read from his new book "Human! Declaration of Love by a Desperate Democrat" at Klutz's Literaturhaus (literature house in English), a local cultural institution. Friedman had been asked to showcase his book, as well as talk about democracy and why it is under threat. There are different accounts as to why Friedman was uninvited. What is certain is that Klutz Mayor Jurgen Mevius of the Independent Voters' Association (UWG) told Literaturhaus representatives that municipal committees had decided they would rather not have Friedman come to town. Mevius cited financial reasons at a city council meeting, saying Friedman's fee was significantly higher than what is ordinarily paid at Literaturhaus events."
About 500 protesters, including media representatives, writers and artists, gathered in Klutz to support journalist Michel Friedman after a planned reading was canceled. The protest was organized by the German branch of PEN and drew attention in a town of roughly 3,000 residents. Friedman, a Jewish journalist, talk show host and former CDU member who once served as vice-chairman of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, addressed supporters onstage. The reading had been scheduled at the local Literaturhaus to promote his book and discuss threats to democracy. Klutz Mayor Jürgen Mevius cited municipal committee objections and higher-than-usual fees as reasons for the cancellation.
Read at www.dw.com
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