Russian Books to Remain at Frankfurt Book Fair, Subject to Legal Checks
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Loading... - Kimberly Johnstone
- 17 Oct 2024
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The Frankfurt Book Fair has confirmed that Russian books will still be represented at this year’s event, though with legal oversight. Organisers clarified that individual Russian publishers will be allowed to present their books at five stands. However, any material that violates German law will be removed.
“If content prohibited by German law is exhibited, there are established procedures,” the organisers stated.
Russian National Stand Excluded
The Russian national stand—which typically represents Russia’s publishing industry as a whole—has been excluded from the fair since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Organisers reiterated that the ban will remain in place until the war ends, citing Russia’s actions as a violation of international law.
“Until this war is over, we refuse to register the Russian national stand at the book fair,” they said.
Solidarity with Ukraine
In line with their stance, the Frankfurt Book Fair reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s book industry and people. For the second consecutive year, both the fair and the German Federal Ministry of Culture are providing free exhibition space for Ukraine, ensuring its cultural presence and participation in discussion programmes throughout the event.
This approach reflects the fair’s balancing act: maintaining an inclusive platform for books from various regions while taking a clear stance against state-sponsored representations from Russia amidst the ongoing conflict.
