Faced with ever-increasing bans and restrictions, publishers and booksellers in Russia fear a return to Soviet-era censorship amid the tightening of power that accompanies the military offensive in Ukraine, AFP reports.

Since the beginning of the conflict, the Russian authorities have increased control over the information that is distributed in the mass media, social networks, as well as in works of art.

Last week, MPs approved amendments to ban “promotion of non-traditional sexual relations” in the media, internet, books and films.

Authorities are promoting the measure, which has yet to be signed by Vladimir Putin before it comes into effect, as a defense against what they describe as LGBT+ propaganda from Western countries.

Authorities also want to ban the sale to minors of books written by “foreign agents,” a label used by opponents, activists and artists such as science fiction writer Dmytro Hlukhovsky.

At the Non/Fiction book fair, a major cultural event that opened Thursday in Moscow, many publishers, booksellers and readers were confused.

Evgeny Kopyov from the publishing house “Exmo” is concerned that the “extended interpretation” allowed by the law on “LGBT+ propaganda” could affect many books, including classic ones.

“Everything will depend on our discussions with the regulatory authorities,” he told AFP.

Like him, many publishers and booksellers interviewed by AFP are waiting for clarification from the authorities on what they consider LGBT+ propaganda and what is not.

According to local media, bookstores in St. Petersburg (north-west) have already started a big sale, offering discounts of up to 50%.

At the “Non/Fiction” book fair, Maryna Kadetova from the Kompass-Guide publishing house fears that all these restrictions will fuel “self-censorship”. “When people start self-censoring, that’s when the problems start,” she says.

Photo: Dreamtime