Russian Authorities Seize Pushkin Poems; Labels them Pornography
In an attack of literary schizophrenia, Russian police in Ivanovo, outside Moscow, have seized copies of literary giant Alexander Pushkin's early poetry, reports The Scotsman newspaper. Prosecutors and literary experts are "studying" the volumes of poetry to decide whether they constitute pornography, which is banned in Russia, or erotic literature which is allowed. If the volumes are found to be pornographic, booksellers could face jail time.
Pushkin (1799-1837) is to Russian literature what Shakespeare is to English literature. Not only are students required to study his works and learn quotations, but "allusions and quotes are sprinkled throughout everyday speech."