Public Lecture: A Global micro-history (France, Tunisia & Sweden)
- Date
- 19 March 2026, 14:00–16:00
- Location
- English Park, Geijersalen ENG6-1023
- Type
- Lecture
- Lecturer
- Prof. Johanna Siméant-Germanos, École normale supérieure
- Organiser
- Forum for Africa Studies
Welcome to a Public lecture with Professor Johanna Siméant-Germanos, École Normale Supérieure, entitled “I have always tried to assert my rights”. A global micro-history of borders, activist life, and violence (France, Tunisia and Sweden, 1970s-today). The lecture is open to the public.
Professor Johanna Siméant-Germanos, École Normale Supérieure, is visiting Uppsala University's Forum for Africa Studies to present her new book: Youssef ou la fidélité à soi: Une enquête sur l’engagement, la violence et l’exil (anamos, 2026).
In late 1978, Youssef Sassi was stopped by police in Marseille. He was severely beaten at the station. Despite protests, he was deported to Tunisia, where he was tortured, before being granted political asylum in Sweden. Johanna Siméant-Germanos was nine years old in late 1978; from this childhood memory, the political scientist has crafted a compelling and personal investigation into activism, violence, and exile.
