SHADOWLAND OF DEMOCRACY

The world is marked by deep global tensions that threaten freedom of expression and human rights. Through words, images, and music – with voices from Sudan, Iran, Afghanistan, Norway, and Gaza – we explore democracy’s shadowland and reflect on the fragile boundaries between security and abuse of power.

Democracy dies in darkness, says Mohamedou Slahi. For freedom of expression, democracy, and humanity, we will take a look into the shadowland and shine a light on what is happening there.

The Mauritanian writer Mohamedou Slahi was imprisoned for 14 years in Guantánamo without charge or trial. In Democracy’s Shadowland, he takes on the role of narrator, reading from his 2015 memoir, Guantánamo Diary.

Among the performing artists is Iranian Arya Aramnejad, known for his song Ali Barkhiz, in which he condemns the crimes of the Islamic regime during the 2009 Ashura protests. Following this, he was imprisoned and tortured. Also featured is Khalid Albaih, a Sudanese political cartoonist, civil rights activist, and freelance journalist. Hamid Sakhizada, a musician, singer, and music teacher, was forced to flee Afghanistan after receiving death threats, following the kidnapping and torture of two of his students by the Taliban. Norwegian singer Solveig Slettahjell has captured many hearts with her unique voice and profound emotional expression.

Palestinian singer Mohammed Elsusi is Stavanger’s 14th City of Refuge artist and arrived with his family last year. In 2009, he co-founded the band Revolution Makers with his brother. The band quickly gained popularity in Gaza, but authorities banned them from performing. Their music addresses the conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza, highlighting themes such as corruption, nepotism, poverty, unemployment, and protests against both Israel’s occupation and Hamas rule in Gaza.