# Controversy over Douglas Murray in Slovakia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-douglas-murray-in-slovakia > Updated: 2026-09-09T10:50:55.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. A controversy emerged in Slovakia regarding the works and views of British author Douglas Murray. The tension began following a planned discussion at Bratislava’s Divadlo Aréna about Murray’s book, ‘The War on Democracy: Israel, Hamas, and the Future of the West’. The platform ‘Otvorená Kultúra!’ criticized the event, alleging that Murray spreads Islamophobic views and holds discriminatory stances toward sexual minorities, while noting a lack of Palestinian perspectives among the scheduled speakers. The situation escalated as the Artforum bookstore removed Murray’s titles from its online shop, stating, “We are a selective bookstore and we select books.” This followed protests by the ‘Otvorená kultúra’ initiative, which sought to cancel a discussion at the Shalom Chaverim Jewish culture festival, citing Murray’s rejection of the term “genocide” regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Despite the pressure, discussions involving political analyst Grigorij Mesežnikov proceeded. Mesežnikov addressed rising polarization and antisemitism in progressive circles, defending Israel’s military actions by arguing that Hamas uses civilians as cover. The events have highlighted deep societal divisions within the Slovak cultural and political landscape. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Douglas Murray books removed from Artforum bookstore in Slovakia The removal of Douglas Murray’s books from Slovakia’s Artforum bookstore and protests against his book discussions have ignited debates over censorship and the Israel-Hamas conflict. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/douglas-murray-books-removed-from-artforum-bookstore-in-slovakia ### 2026-09-02: Divadlo Aréna debate over Douglas Murray book sparks controversy A debate at Divadlo Aréna regarding Douglas Murray’s new book has drawn criticism from the ‘Otvorená Kultúra!’ platform, which claims the panel lacks sufficient critical opposition. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/divadlo-arna-debate-over-douglas-murray-book-sparks-controversy --- Cite as: Controversy over Douglas Murray in Slovakia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-douglas-murray-in-slovakia