--- a/src/pubsub_admin.py	Fri Feb 15 18:04:05 2019 +0100
+++ b/src/pubsub_admin.py	Fri Feb 15 18:05:02 2019 +0100
@@ -24,7 +24,8 @@
 from zope.interface import implements
 from twisted.python import log
 from twisted.internet import defer
-from twisted.words.protocols.jabber import jid, error, xmlstream
+from twisted.words.protocols.jabber import jid, error as jabber_error, xmlstream
+from sat_pubsub import error
 from wokkel.subprotocols import XMPPHandler
 from wokkel import disco, iwokkel, pubsub
 
@@ -43,7 +44,7 @@
         self.xmlstream.addObserver(ADMIN_REQUEST, self.onAdminRequest)
 
     def sendError(self, iq_elt, condition=u'bad-request'):
-        stanza_error = error.StanzaError(u'bad-request')
+        stanza_error = jabber_error.StanzaError(condition)
         iq_error = stanza_error.toResponse(iq_elt)
         self.parent.xmlstream.send(iq_error)
 
@@ -101,12 +102,21 @@
 
             # we don't use a DeferredList because we want to be sure that
             # each request is done in order
-            payload = yield self.backend.publish(
-                nodeIdentifier=node,
-                items=[item],
-                requestor=requestor,
-                pep=pep,
-                recipient=recipient)
+            try:
+                payload = yield self.backend.publish(
+                    nodeIdentifier=node,
+                    items=[item],
+                    requestor=requestor,
+                    pep=pep,
+                    recipient=recipient)
+            except (error.Forbidden, error.ItemForbidden):
+                __import__('pudb').set_trace()
+                self.sendError(iq_elt, u"forbidden")
+                return
+            except Exception as e:
+                self.sendError(iq_elt, u"internal-server-error")
+                log.msg(u"INTERNAL ERROR: {msg}".format(msg=e))
+                return
 
             result_item_elt = result_publish_elt.addElement(u'item')
             # either the id was given and it is available in item