When Literature Becomes Dangerous

Around the world, there are countries that continue to ban books. Authors are silenced, and their messages can cost them their freedom - sometimes their lives.

Librarian Tine Eggertsen speaks with Syrian-Kurdish author, poet and former journalist Jan Pêt Khorto about banned books, censorship and literature's ability to defy power. Khorto's own poetry collections were banned in Syria, where he was imprisoned for his literary, journalistic and political engagement. He has lived in Denmark since 2009 and is a member of Dansk PEN and Poetas del Mundo.

The conversation is part of the Danish edition of Banned Books Week, #Forbudte Bøger - a nationwide campaign about banned literature and threatened freedom of expression. An overview of other North Jutland activities during the campaign week (week 41) can be found at Dansk PEN. Other events in the region include a visit to Aalborg University about the right to be wrong, 'The Secret Society' in Brønderslev and the documentary film 'The Librarians' in both Skørping and Hobro.

The event takes place on the Lyrikscenen stage at Hovedbiblioteket in Aalborg.