Russian PEN denies Svetlana Alexievich was ever a member – but documents refute this

Writers’ group says Nobel laureate cannot quit over treatment of Sergey Parkhomenko because she never joined, prompting the writer to release proof

In a strange turn of events, Russian PEN has dismissed Svetlana Alexievich’s decision to leave the freedom of speech organisation, saying she cannot quit because she has never been a member – prompting the Nobel prize winner to reveal photographic proof of her membership.

Russian PEN officials released a statement saying that despite Alexievich’s announcement on 11 January that she was leaving as an act of protest, the celebrated reportage author had never been a member of the centre.

Related: Nobel prize winner Svetlana Alexievich quits 'shameful' Russian PEN

Continue reading...