Freedom of art matters a lot to most Germans - so much so that it is protected by law. But even in Germany's democracy and with its liberal outlook, there are certain legal and moral limitations to artistic expression.
One year ago, the office of the French satirical publication "Charlie Hebdo" became the target of a terrorist attack. Solidarity was felt around the globe. The attack sparked a renewed debate over freedom of expression.
Protest songs from bygone eras can have a lasting impact.
According to Immanuel Kant, the idea behind the separation of church and state should extend to art. Contemporary philosopher Otfried Höffe believes that Islam will eventually come to the same conclusion.
Talking to DW, British-Indian author Salman Rushdie explains how his new novel became contemporary by accident and why defending free speech is more important now than ever.
Algerian writer Boualem Sansal is a vocal critic of Islamic fundamentalism. His books are banned in Algeria but celebrated in France. That’s where we met up with him.
People all around the world champion freedom of speech and defend individual rights. Artists are often at the vanguard of the struggle to achieve such liberties. This project honors their efforts.
Creative expression and freedom of speech are limited in many countries. Those who protest against this state of affairs face oppression, persecution and incarceration. How do artists and other creative minds manage to carve out their own niche in the face of adversity?
Look back at global events following the Charlie Hebdo attack.
In Hong Kong publishers are going missing, while a book that cannot be published in Beijing may appear in Shanghai. Chinese poet Yang Lian discusses the current fight for freedom of expression.
Achille Mbembe wants to rethink the world. The philosopher has taught at Yale, Boston, and Berkeley. Now he has received the Geschwister-Scholl-Preis for his book "Critique de la raison nègre".
Najem Wali discusses with DW about the responsibility of intellectuals in the Arab world and the inspiration for his books, explaining why the poet Adonis does not deserve a peace prize at all.
Art in a time of terror. Almost a year ago, the attack on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo shocked the world. An Algerian author talks to us about writing under pressure. And we report on the struggle for freedom of art.