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Controversy: Putin supporters invited to the 29th Budapest International Book Festival
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The 29th Budapest International Book Festival has yet to begin, but the organisers are already facing criticism for inviting individuals who have publicly supported Vladimir Putin and Russia’s actions against Ukraine. While some are outraged by this decision, the organisers maintain that politics should remain separate from cultural events of this kind.
Founded in 1994, the Budapest International Book Festival is one of Hungary’s most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events. This year marks its 29th edition, running from 26th to 29th September at Millenáris Park in Budapest. Much of the media’s attention is focused on the guest of honour, Jón Kalman Stefánsson, a leading figure in contemporary Icelandic literature, who will also be awarded the Budapest Grand Prize by the Mayor of Budapest. However, others have taken note of the more controversial guests of the Budapest International Book Festival, questioning whether some of the invitees are truly deserving of the honour.
Putin supporters among the invitees
Népszava has drawn attention to two Russian invitees of the Budapest International Book Festival, Alekszej Gravickij and Dimitrij Bak, both of whom have been investigated by Hungarian literary historian Zsuzsa Hetényi. Hetényi uncovered that both individuals are supporters of Putin and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, outlining her findings in a detailed Facebook post. Gravickij, a Moscow-based author, is a member of the Writers’ Union of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). Hetényi pointed out that this writers’ union was established in May 2015, soon after the onset of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.
It is worth noting that the DPR is a territory seized by pro-Russian separatists from Ukraine. In 2022, Gravickij signed an open letter expressing his support for the so-called “special operation” in Ukraine. Despite these facts, Gravickij is scheduled to participate in two programmes during the festival, according to 24.hu. His book will be discussed during a programme titled How to Create, Destroy and Rebuild Invented and Alternate Worlds on Thursday, followed by a conversation on Saturday entitled Professional Secrets – Meeting Alekszej Gravickij, Author and Screenwriter.
Being pro-russia🥰
Being anti-zionist (Zionist= occupying lands that you believe are yours but they aren’t, if is not clear enough)😡