Alhierd Bacharewicz's book banned by Belarusian regime

Belarusian writer Alhierd Bacharewicz has become a target of the Alexander Lukashenko regime following the publication of his book, ‘Dogs of Europe’. Recently released in Poland, the work has become the first book since the 2020 protests to be officially added to Belarus's list of banned subversive literature.

Bacharewicz notes that the regime views certain linguistic and cultural elements, such as the use of traditional Tarashkevitsa orthography and the concept of ‘Europe’, as symbols of resistance and Western liberal influence. The author describes his novel as a warning, featuring a dystopian future where Belarus is annexed by Russia.

Since the 2020 political unrest, Belarusian literature has seen a shift in importance as citizens seek identity and answers through the written word. While domestic Belarusian-language literature was once marginal, it is now growing, though much of the creative work is being produced in exile. Poland has emerged as a critical hub for Belarusian authors and publishers to distribute their work freely.