On September 26 the Ministry of Information updated the list of “extremist materials” and added three new books:
- Valer Hapiejeŭ, Volniery. The Harbinger (Januškievič, 2023)
- Valer Hapiejeŭ, Volniery. The Endless Day (Januškievič, 2024)
- Douglas E. Nash & Remy Spezzano, Kampfgruppe Mühlenkamp: 5th SS Panzer Division “Wiking”, Eastern Poland, July 1944 (2020)
Among these books is a finalist of the largest Belarusian literary award, the Jerzy Giedroyc Prize, for 2023: Valer Hapiejeŭ with his book Volniery. The Harbinger, published by Januškievič in 2023.
We remind you that the inclusion in the “National List of Extremist Materials” carries severe legal consequences, including administrative liability for producing, publishing, possessing, or transporting the banned book. In practice, the scope of “prohibited acts” is applied excessively broadly. Sanctions range from heavy fines to administrative arrest, creating a powerful deterrent for authors, publishers, and readers.
You can read more in detail about the legal assessment here.