✮⋆ Reading Counterpower: Book of Shame – the witness must speak by Refugees in Libya

Join us on Tuesday 26th of May, 19:00-22:00, for a collective Reading Counterpower session. We will be reading aloud together the first chapter of the Book of Shame, THE WITNESS MUST SPEAK: On UNHCR in Libya and Beyond by David Yambio. David is a founding member of Refugees in Libya, a refugee-led, non-profit organization.

For those who want to contribute financially, the book is available here.

The first hearing case resulting from the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) 15-year investigation into Libya takes place this week, from 19 to 21 May 2026.  A senior figure within a powerful Libyan militia, Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, is accused of committing, ordering, and overseeing crimes against humanity and war crimes against Libyan nationals, migrants and refugees detained in Mitiga Prison. These crimes had the support of European Union funding and coordination by Frontex, which has directly and indirectly trained, financed and equipped Libyan forces who have systematically abducted, arbitrarily detained, tortured, enslaved, killed and raped migrants.

Together, we will learn how Europe enables and sustains Libya’s detention industry through border externalization policies, Frontex cooperation, and pull- and pushback practices at sea.

No prior reading needed!

📅 Tuesday May 26th
⏲️ Time: 19h00 – 22h00
📍 De Opstand, The Hague (ask your network, DM, or e-mail for the address at boekenwinkelopstand@riseup.net)

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Accessibility information: the event is on the ground floor. There is a (steep) ramp for wheelchair accessibility. A quiet room is also available. The Opstand library and books are upstairs and only accessible via stairs. We encourage everyone to refrain from wearing products containing fragrances, to wear a face mask, to do a self-test, and to stay home if you have cold-like symptoms. Face masks and self-tests are available on location. Send us a message if your accessibility needs are not covered.