Are Russian Booksellers Navigating a Legal Minefield with New 'Foreign Agent' Rules?

This article explores the implications of Russia's foreign agent law on the publishing industry, particularly in St Petersburg, where bookstores are now required to label books by designated foreign agents. This law, which restricts educational activities and the production of materials for minors, raises concerns about censorship and the potential stifling of dissenting voices in literature.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

Understanding Russia's Foreign Agent Law

Russia's foreign agent law, which came into effect on 1 September 2023, has created significant challenges for the publishing sector. Under this legislation, individuals and organisations labelled as "foreign agents" face restrictions on their ability to engage in educational activities or produce materials aimed at minors. This broad definition could encompass a wide range of publications, leading to a climate of caution among booksellers and authors alike.

Key Takeaways

• The foreign agent law requires books by designated individuals to be labelled and wrapped.
• Many prominent authors, such as Dmitry Glukhovsky, have been classified as foreign agents.
• Bookstores face potential fines and inspections for non-compliance.
• The law is viewed by some as a strategy to suppress dissent against the government.
• Public sentiment largely opposes book bans, citing historical lessons on censorship.

The Impact on Bookstores

In St Petersburg, bookstores like Vo Ves Golos (At the Top of My Voice) are adapting to these new regulations. Elena Neshcheret, a manager at the store, described the compliance process as fraught with "unpredictable traps." This situation necessitates that bookstores not only adhere to laws governing printed materials but also remain vigilant about broader cultural and trade regulations.

The store allocates 3-4 shifts each month to label and wrap books identified as foreign agent materials to ensure compliance and transparency for customers. Neshcheret expressed concern over the lack of precedents for fines related to the sale of these books, creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty among booksellers.

The Response from the Publishing Industry

The Russian Book Union, an industry body, has issued warnings to booksellers about the heightened risks associated with selling books by foreign agents. This includes the possibility of unscheduled inspections by authorities, which adds to the operational challenges faced by bookstores. In anticipation of the law, some shops opted to conduct discount sales of foreign agent books to mitigate potential losses.

Dmitry Glukhovsky, a well-known novelist who has been sentenced in absentia for spreading false information about the Russian armed forces, sees these developments as part of a broader campaign to silence critical voices. He argues that the law serves to isolate dissenters from the public sphere, effectively turning them into pariahs in society.

Censorship and Public Opinion

The foreign agent law has sparked debates about censorship and freedom of expression in Russia. During interviews with shoppers in St Petersburg, a significant majority expressed opposition to book bans. One customer, Anastasia, remarked, "Banning books, as our history shows, has never led to anything good," highlighting the belief that alternative methods exist to address concerns raised by certain publications.

Irina, another shopper, acknowledged that censorship has been a persistent aspect of history but maintained that "a book will always find its reader." This sentiment underscores the resilience of literary expression, even in the face of restrictive laws.

What Happens Next?

The implementation of the foreign agent law represents a critical juncture for the Russian publishing industry. As bookstores grapple with compliance and the potential consequences of non-compliance, the future of literature in Russia hangs in the balance. The situation raises important questions about the role of literature in society and the limits of free expression, particularly in a climate of political tension.

As the situation evolves, observers will be keen to see how bookstores navigate these regulations and what impact they will have on authors and the broader cultural landscape in Russia. Will the law succeed in stifling dissent, or will it inadvertently fuel a renewed interest in the very works it seeks to suppress?

Conclusion

The foreign agent law has introduced a new layer of complexity and risk for booksellers in Russia, challenging their ability to operate freely and support diverse voices in literature. As the industry adapts to these changes, the resilience and creativity of both authors and booksellers will be tested in ways that could redefine the landscape of Russian literature for years to come. The question remains: how will the public and literary community respond to these restrictions, and what will this mean for the future of free expression in Russia?

FAQs

What is the foreign agent law in Russia?

The foreign agent law in Russia designates certain individuals and organisations as foreign agents, restricting their ability to engage in educational activities and produce materials for minors. This law has significant implications for the publishing industry.

Who is affected by the foreign agent law?

Many prominent writers, activists, and organisations have been classified as foreign agents, including authors like Dmitry Glukhovsky. This designation affects their ability to publish and engage with the public.

What are the consequences of selling books by foreign agents?

Booksellers face potential fines and unscheduled inspections by authorities for selling books by foreign agents, creating a climate of caution within the publishing sector.

How has the public reacted to the foreign agent law?

Public sentiment largely opposes book bans, with many individuals expressing concerns about censorship and its historical implications, arguing that banning books does not lead to positive outcomes.

What steps are bookstores taking to comply with the law?

Bookstores are labelling and wrapping books by foreign agents to comply with regulations, dedicating shifts to ensure clear identification for customers and adherence to the law.