The German section of the writers’ association PEN does not want any members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in its ranks and has passed a resolution to that effect.
The resolution banning simultaneous membership of the party and the writers’ association was passed unanimously at a general assembly in the northern port city of Hamburg on Friday, the organization officially known as PEN Center Germany announced on Saturday.
German PEN Secretary General Michael Landgraf explained: “With this resolution, the members of the PEN Center unanimously underline their commitment to the values and principles formulated in the PEN International Charter.” These are in direct contradiction to the AfD’s goals and ideas, he said.
The PEN International Charter obliges members to always use their influence to promote good understanding and mutual respect among nations and to combat all forms of hatred.
The AfD propagates views and objectives that are diametrically opposed to these principles, the PEN Center Germany statement continued. The AfD’s political agenda aims to emphasize and often exacerbate national and cultural borders, he added.
PEN Center Germany was founded 100 years ago. The abbreviation stands for Poets, Essayists, Novelists. The writers’ association is committed to literature, freedom of expression and international understanding.
In 2022, there was a split and the second association, PEN Berlin, was founded.
