Copyright © 2021 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Library of Ukrainian Literature destroyed in Moscow

Library of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow, Before and After. Photo: Unian
Translated by: Christine Chraibi
It is reported that the Library of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow has been definitively closed down.

The plate on the external wall disappeared last week from the building where the library was previously located.

It is not clear when or how the sign was removed. Former employees maintain that just a few days ago the plate bearing the inscription: “Library of Ukrainian Literature” was still visible on the building situated at 61 Trifonovskaya Street.

In addition, the library website has been blocked. When we tried to access the site at mosbul.ru, we received the following message: “Sorry, but the site is closed for reconstruction.”

Apparently, the library building has been transferred to the Department of Sports in Moscow, which plans to open the Center for Tourism Development in Moscow on the premises.

Library of Ukrainian Literature, Before and After. Photo: Unian
Library of Ukrainian Literature, Before and After. Photo: Unian

According to lawyer Ivan Pavlov, who represents the interests of Nataliya Sharina, former director of the library, the Moscow City Court will examine Sharina’s appeal on April 24.  On June 5, 2017, Sharina was found guilty of inciting hatred against Russians, spreading “extremist” literature and embezzlement. She received a four-year suspended sentence.

Both Sharina and the state prosecutor will appear at the next court hearing.

In fact, the library stopped working a year ago and only the plate on the external wall remained. Some of the books and documents were sent to the Library of Foreign Literature; some were thrown out or destroyed.

According to one employee, visitors stopped coming to the library after the attacks began against the Ukrainian institution and after Sharina’s conviction. Moreover, some readers were investigated for their alleged interest in “extremist” and “nationalist” literature. The last two librarians were released on March 1, 2018.

On October 28, 2015, the Moscow police conducted a search of the Library of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow and planted some nationalist literature on the premises. Sharina’s home was also searched.

Nataliya Sharina
Nataliya Sharina

Natalya Sharina was detained on October 28, 2015 and spent a year and seven months under house arrest before being brought to trial.

On June 5, 2017, the Mishchanskiy District Court of Moscow sentenced Nataliya Sharina to four years. She was accused of distributing extremist literature, “calling for hatred and hostility against Russians”, and embezzling budget funds.

Sharina’s defense lawyer challenged the verdict. Amnesty International declared that Nataliya Sharina was a victim of a travesty of justice, while the verdict showed “utter contempt for the rule of law and highlights flaws in the independence of Russia’s judiciary”.

Translated by: Christine Chraibi
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!
Total
0
Shares
Related Posts