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Publisher Ihar Lohvinaw moves business to Lithuania

Embattled publisher Ihar Lohvinaw has had an organization registered in Lithuania as he seeks to continue his work despite the closure of his company by the Belarusian authorities last year.

The information ministry revoked the Lohvinaw Publishing House's license last September over the publication of the 2011 Belarus Press Photo book, which was later found to be "extremist material."

When reached by BelaPAN, Mr. Lohvinaw said that the Vilnius-registered organization was called the Lohvinaw Literary House. It is expected to publish a number of books in late February or early March.

Mr. Lohvinaw said that he would file an appeal against the annulment of the license with the Supreme Economic Court this month. "We believe that we should continue fighting," he said.

The publisher said that it would be unrealistic to register a new company in Belarus soon.

Ihar Lohvinaw was notified of the annulment of his publishing house's license by a letter that he received from the information ministry on September 23.

The letter, signed by Deputy Minister Liliya Ananich, explained that the publication of the 2011 Belarus Press Photo book was a gross violation of licensing regulations.

The Minsk-based Lohvinaw Publishing House was founded in 2000. //BelaPAN