Russia's law against books by foreign agents' signals tightening grip

"Boris Akunin is one of Russia's most popular authors. Erast Fandorin, his series of historical detective novels, has been adapted into feature films and TV miniseries. But he is also an enemy of the state, having been branded a foreign agent by the Russian authorities last year. Akunin, whose real name is Grigory Chkhartishvili, has been outspoken against President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine."

"The foreign agent' label is the least of my problems; there are already more than a thousand foreign agents', Akunin told Al Jazeera from London. Compared to the fact that a military court sentenced me to 14 years in prison for justifying terrorism' that is, Ukraine's right to defend itself as well as putting me on the international wanted list, this is nothing."

"Bookstores and other retailers in Russia had already been pulling Akunin's books from the shelves before September 1, when new restrictions were imposed. Although selling books by designated foreign agents is not formally a crime, booksellers now, thanks to a law signed by Putin in April, risk complications for their business, such as possible fines and being barred from working with libraries and other public institutions."

"As such, in recent months, many retailers have been purging their stock of blacklisted authors. Artem Faustov, the proprietor of Vse Svobodny (Everybody is Free), an independent book shop in St Petersburg, said there was plenty of interest in these rogue writers. By September 1, almost all of the foreign agent' books had been sold out, he said. We didn't even have to offer discounts. And on August 31, we stayed open for another two hours after closing"

New Russian legislation expands penalties and restrictions for individuals labeled 'foreign agents', banning participation in educational or campaign activities, blocking support from local authorities, and barring board membership in state corporations. Selling books by designated foreign agents is not formally a crime, but booksellers face potential fines and exclusion from working with libraries and public institutions. Prominent novelist Boris Akunin was branded a foreign agent and faces a separate 14-year military court sentence and international wanted status for supporting Ukraine's right to defend itself. Retailers preemptively removed blacklisted authors' works; some independent shops reported brisk demand, rapid sell-outs, and extended opening hours.

Read at www.aljazeera.com