Januškevič Publishing House was founded in 2014 and publishes fiction, non-fiction, and historical books in Belarusian language despite the Belarusian government’s Russian influence. The founder, Andrej Januškevič, was arrested in 2022 and imprisoned for 28 days. After his release, Januškevič fled to Poland, from where his publishing house continues to publish for the Belarusian market. Last year, Belarusian authorities revoked his publishing license, blocking the publishing house from operating in Belarus. However, his books are continue to be accessed as eBooks or shipped from Poland.
Maria A. Pallante, President and CEO of AAP stated: “This year we recognize a publishing house of extraordinary persistence and courage. The leaders of Januškevič Publishing House have braved censorship, suffered incarceration, and endured exile, all in service of their mission to provide readers with literature in the Belarusian language. Together, the Board, membership, and staff of the AAP applaud Januškevič for preserving and celebrating a language that has long been under attack, and for demonstrating why the freedom to publish is an essential element of democratic society.”
To read the full statement by AAP, click here.
To read more on the 2024 Prix Voltaire Shortlist, click here.