Fedde Schurerlêzing 2026: Breteler and Liemburg on the theme 'Frysk: in (foar)rjocht?'

Since 2010, the lecture has been named after Fedde Schurer (1898–1968) – poet, journalist, politician and militant pacifist – whose ideas and life story inspired this annual event. This year, the lecture forms part of the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Kneppelfreed, organised by the District Court of the Northern Netherlands and the Province of Fryslân at the Palace of Justice in Leeuwarden.

Fedde Schurer played a key role in the events surrounding Kneppelfreed (16 November 1951), a turning point in the legal recognition of the Frisian language in administration, education and the judiciary. As editor-in-chief of the *Friese Koerier*, Schurer spoke out vehemently against a judge who had repeatedly banned the use of the Frisian language in court and ridiculed it. When he was subsequently summoned to appear before the Court of Appeal in Leeuwarden on charges of contempt of court, riots broke out outside and the police intervened with batons and water cannons. Kneppelfreed paved the way for Frisian to be treated (at least) as an equal to Dutch.

The programme for the lecture on Saturday 21 November begins at 4.00 pm (doors open from 3.15 pm). Afterwards, there will be a convivial get-together with drinks and snacks. Admission is free, but registration is required.

In short

Who: Anne-Goaitske Breteler and Johanneke Liemburg
What: Fedde Schurer Lecture 2026
When: Saturday 21 November 2026
Where: Palace of Justice, Wilhelminaplein 1 (Zaailand), Leeuwarden
Time: doors open from 3.15 pm, programme starts at 4.00 pm. 
Admission: free, but you must register by requesting a free ticket via Eventbrite >>>