Belarusian publishers wind down after losing licenses

 August 27, BPN. Belarusian publishers that specialized in books in Belarusian are terminating their activities or focus on other areas, after the information ministry suspended licenses of Halijafy, Limarius, Medisont, and Knihazbor independent publishing houses. 

Co-founder of Halijafy Źmicier Višnioŭ told Mediazona on August 25 that he was closing down. “There are endless arrests and violence in the country. How is it possible to create anything in such conditions? When the junta collapses, there will be prospects for the revival of our cultural space,” he said.

On same day, Limarius CEO Maryna Šybko, a wife of political expert Alaksandr Fiaduta, charged in a high-profile case of conspiracy to seize state power, announced that Limarius has started its liquidation.

Knihazbor publishing house told BPN that its license remained suspended, but books released earlier are still being sold. Medisont gave up its license, but continues to provide printing services. 

On July 28, Ihar Buzoŭski, deputy information minister, said he was extremely happy that Belarusians do not have any extremist or dangerous books on their bookshelvesii.

Belarusian PEN points out that many writers, musicians, artists, and publishers censor their works now, suspend their projects or implement them abroad.