Major annual conference in danger as left-wing media, politicians and pressure groups close ranks against it.Continue reading
In a similar fashion to the scandal in April this year, when businesses and local authorities have tried to cancel the National Conservatism conference co-hosted by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) in Brussels, a familiar censorship drama is currently unfolding in connection with the book launch of MCC director Frank Füredi.
In an email obtained by Hungary Today, MCC Brussels have sent out the following message:
“MCC Brussels, a leading think tank, announced today that free speech is under serious threat in the heart of the European Union following the abrupt cancellation of an event to launch Professor Frank Füredi’s latest book, The War Against the Past. The launch was initially scheduled to take place at Piola.libri, a bookstore on Rue Franklin in the Schumann area, on Monday, September 30th, 2024. Despite having previously agreed to host the event, the venue withdrew its offer, citing concerns about the “political connotation” of the launch and the bookstore’s commitment to being an “inclusive space”.
Viktor Orbán (L) at the Brussels Natcon conference in April. Photo: Hungary Today
“The decision by Piola.libri to cancel the event after previously agreeing to host it speaks volumes about the state of free speech in Brussels,” said Frank Füredi, author and Executive Director of MCC Brussels. “It is ironic that just a stone’s throw away from the European Commission, a bookstore frequented by EU insiders has declared that some books are simply too dangerous to be given space.
It is deeply ironic that the bookstore cited a commitment to “inclusivity” – whilst taking the decision to exclude certain viewpoints from consideration”.
This incident reveals the deeply censorious nature of the EU bubble and the hypocrisy that exists and thrives in Brussels and Belgium”, said Prof. Füredi.
Our history is being rewritten, and our heritage is under attack. From Shakespeare to scientists, our cultural icons are being recast as villains. In my new book The War Against The Past, I explore why we must defend our legacy against those who seek to erase it.
Pre-order your… pic.twitter.com/xyFYuRUxYe
— Frank Furedi (@Furedibyte) August 31, 2024
MCC Brussels was informed of the bookstore’s decision via email, with a representative stating, “After a careful consideration, we have found out that the political connotation of the initiative is more strongly marked than we initially understood … Our venue has always maintained a line of neutrality … this choice allows us to ensure an inclusive space that respects all sensibilities”
The War Against the Past by Frank Füredi Photo: X Frank Füredi
MCC Brussels is committed to defending free speech and has secured an alternative venue for the book launch, which will be revealed shortly, wrote the press release from MCC Brussels.
THE BOOK THAT BRUSSELS DOESN’T WANT YOU TO READ
Breaking news: Book launch of @Furedibyte latest book cancelled by Brussels bookstore.
Free speech is under threat in the heart of the EU. @Piolalibri a bookstore on Rue Franklin in the Schumann area, has abruptly cancelled… pic.twitter.com/c9uK9q2PvV
— MCC Brussels (@MCC_Brussels) September 25, 2024
Featured Image: Hungary Today