Freedom, Only Freedom: Behrouz Boochani
Award-winning Kurdish-Iranian journalist, writer, filmmaker, and human rights activist Behrouz Boochani will speak about his most recent book Freedom, Only Freedom on 3rd December at this very special event.
The event is a collaboration between Newcastle Writers Festival and the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Speaker Series.
Boochani spent six years languishing in offshore immigration detention, during which time he witnessed those seeking asylum being exposed to conditions that grossly violated international refugee law. His harrowing experience led to him write the award-winning book No Friend but the Mountains (translated by Omid Tofighian), which was composed of text messages detailing the atrocities around him. His second book, Freedom, Only Freedom, features his prison writings with essays from experts on refugee rights, politics, literature, and history.
Boochani will share his stories of resilience and shed light on Australian refugee policies. He will be in conversation with writer Fiona Kelly McGregor and the event will be held at the University’s Conservatorium of Music.
Post Event Reception
There will be a signing after the event thanks to MacLean’s Booksellers.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.