Russian writer Boris Akunin has denounced that the banning of his books is the first step towards “total censorship” in the Russian literary market. Due to the author's criticism of the Kremlin, his publications have been removed from bookstores in the country. “That was the last area of society that was still relatively free,” Akunin wrote in a statement made from exile. The author, known mainly for the series of detective novels starring Erast Fandorin, was included this Monday on the official list of terrorists and extremists. “They were probably angry with me personally, but the situation is most likely much worse.” The author highlights that Putin's intention is to “clean up” the publishing sector. "After that, all that remains is to install a firewall on the internet, limit leaving the country and that's it."
Grigori Chjartishvili, better known by his pseudonym Boris Akunin, has lived in exile since 2014, when he opposed the Russian annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. From now on, according to Akunin, “Russian culture will be divided into two segments: the free, that is, the emigrant, and the unfree, that of the interior of Russia.” The writer assures that in the face of the next elections, which take place in the middle of a “long and unpopular” war, Putin's objective is to bet “on the stick and not on the carrot.” “To intimidate, to close mouths, to impose total submission, that is his electoral strategy.” This week the police raided a publishing house that had not stopped distributing the author's books. Now, those responsible for the company could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
The 67-year-old writer describes the banning of his works as a “historical fact,” which has not occurred since the Soviet era. "With the extinction of the last areas of certain freedom, the publishing house, Russia takes a big step towards a totalitarian state." The harassment of Akunin coincides with the absence of Alexei Navalny, Putin's main opposition leader. Nothing is known about him for several days and the UN has expressed concern about a “forced disappearance.”
Boris Akunin is one of the most widely read contemporary Russian writers. Known for his prolific literary production that covers various genres, from historical novels to detective intrigue. His ability to mix historical narrative with elements of suspense has contributed to his success, making him an emblematic figure of literature. In addition to his literary achievements, he plays an active role in promoting culture and intellectual debate in his native country.
