Over the past two weeks, Fugitive Books, a bookstore in Groningen, the Netherlands, has been the target of two violent incidents involving physical and verbal abuse. According to reports, the attacks were directly linked to its curation of books and the values it openly represents.
These violent incidents represent yet another attack on booksellers' right to freedom of expression. Bookshops are a cornerstone of democratic societies, fostering democratic dialogue by providing spaces where diverse ideas, perspectives, and worldviews can be shared, challenged, and debated respectfully.
The European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) joins its Dutch member, the Koninklijke Boekverkopersbond, in strongly condemning these acts of violence and expresses its solidarity with Fugitive Books.
EIBF President, Fabian Paagman said: "Bookshops are essential spaces for democratic debate, where people can respectfully engage with diverse ideas and perspectives. Violence can never be a substitute for dialogue. The European and International Booksellers Federation vehemently condemns the attack on Fugitive Books and stands in full solidarity with the bookstore and its booksellers."
Find the full statement attached below.
| Attachment | Size |
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| EIBF Statment - in solidarity with Dutch bookstore.pdf | 270.74 KB |