Following the case of Artem Vakhlyayev, head of the sales department…
Following the case of Artem Vakhlyayev, head of the sales department at 'Eksmo' (added to Russia's list of extremists) who was sentenced for selling literature containing LGBT propaganda (the movement is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia), the publishing house has updated its work regulations.
Consensus
- The publishing group 'Eksmo-AST' introduced ten criteria for evaluating books before publication.
- The changes followed the conviction of Artem Vakhlyayev, former head of sales at 'Eksmo', for selling literature promoting LGBT content.
- LGBT (International Social Movement LGBT) is recognized as an extremist organization and banned in Russia.
- Artificial intelligence is used to assist editors by flagging sections of text that may require closer review.
- A total of approximately 20,000 internal expert reviews were conducted.
- 600 books were sent to external experts for additional evaluation.
- The review process applies not only to new publications but also to books published over the past 20 years still in circulation or prepared for sale.
Points of divergence
- Oleg Novikov stated that the company significantly tightened internal regulations after a criminal case against employees of subsidiaries 'Popcorn Books' and 'Individuum'. — kommersant
- Fontanka reported that the court recently began hearing the case of the former director of Popcorn Books. — fontanka
Coverage (3 sources)
- Head of 'Eksmo-Ast' Reveals Ten Criteria for Checking Books Before Publication — Коммерсантъ
- Eksmo Introduces 10 Book Verification Criteria Following Top Manager's Censure — Фонтанка
- President of 'Eksmo-Ast' Explains How Books Are Checked Before Publication — Вести
Key entities
More on Oleg Novikov
More on Artiom Vakhlyayev
- Artem Vakhlyev, director of the sales department of Eksmo
- On August 7, 2026, the Zamoskvoretsky District Court in Moscow…
- Artem Vakhlyayev, former head of sales at publishing house 'Eksmo'