Tuesday 31 May @ 11:30

MEP Assita Kanko is hosting a conference on freedom of expression with guests; Ayaan Hirsi Ali, writer and activist, and the philosopher, Pascal Bruckner. The event will delve into topics such as freedom of thought and action, wokeness, cancel culture, Islam, human rights, identity and European values.

Twenty years ago, Ayaan Hirsi Ali had to go into hiding because of her political views, and she still has to be guarded to this day. Recently, another journalist in France received death threats and went into hiding. Nothing has improved or changed in all these years. Even worse, the extremists killed innocent victims in bloody attacks all over Europe, and even teachers and journalists were killed by them in cold blood. What can and will we do about this? Is it time for a stronger voice of opposition, time for action?

Silencing

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a famous and controversial human rights activist, former politician and professor in the US. She has been under protection for twenty years because of her statements in the Netherlands about Islam and the rights of Muslim women. She now works from America and fights for freedom of speech and human rights. Hirsi Ali and Kanko recognise much in each other’s views and ambitions. Both are committed to human rights, experience freedom of speech as the oxygen of democracy and will not be silenced by intolerance and fundamentalism.

Bruckner

Also on the programme is the presentation by the well-known French philosopher and writer Pascal Bruckner on freedom, cancelculture, racism and terror.

Programme:

• 11:30: Welcome and coffee with snacks
• 12:00: Introduction by Pascal Bruckner, philosopher and writer
• 12:15: Interview Ayaan by MEP Kanko
• 13:15: Q&A session
• 13:45: conclusion
• 14:00: Reception