On the occasion of the second “Freedom of Speech Week” (“Woche der Meinungsfreiheit”), which takes place from 3 - 10 May 2022, Nina George, author and President of the European Writers' Council, Ina Hartwig, Head of the Department of Culture and Science of the City of Frankfurt am Main, Dirk Geßner, Managing Director of Ströer Deutsche Städte Medien GmbH, Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, President of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association and Peter Kraus vom Cleff, Chief Executive of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association, unveiled a mobile 18/1 poster with Nina George's image and her very personal message for the “Freedom of Speech Week”. The place of the unveiling was Frankfurt's Paulsplatz with the Paulskirche, the cradle and symbol of democracy in Germany.
With her opinion and her poster, Nina George represents 11 personalities from society, media and literature who stand up for a lively culture of debate with their faces and their strong, independent opinions. The motifs are part of a campaign which, thanks to the support of Ströer, will be seen nationwide on around 3,300 Ströer digital screens during “Freedom of Speech Week”, giving it wide-ranging attention in public spaces.
45 organizations and companies are the Alliance for Freedom of Speech
From 3 to 10 May 2022, the "Freedom of Speech Week" puts the importance of freedom of speech and lively debates for a free, democratic society in the public spotlight. From International Press Freedom Day on May 3rd to the Day of Book Burning in Germany on May 10th, a broad social alliance is organizing more than 50 events, actions and campaigns nationwide under the claim #MehrAlsMeineMeinung. The alliance was initiated by the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels (German Publishers & Booksellers Association) and consists of around 45 organizations and companies: from Amnesty International to the PEN Centre Germany and Reporters Without Borders to Eintracht Frankfurt. Many bookshops, publishers, press outlets and media are taking part in the action week throughout Germany. The content is based on the "Charter of Freedom of Speech", which citizens can sign. The alliance is supported by the Frankfurter Agenturallianz - 14 creative people, most of whom work pro bono for the Freedom of Speech Week.
Picture: © Olaf Deneberger & Natalie Färber - für Frankfurter Agenturallianz