Russia’s largest book publisher Eksmo has shut down its embattled young-adult literature subsidiary Popcorn Books, which became a primary target of the Kremlin’s crackdown on so-called “LGBT extremism.”
Eksmo told the Vedomosti business newspaper Tuesday that the brand Popcorn Books has become associated “with a broader context than the publication of books.”
The statement appears to refer to the May 2025 raids and arrests of several Eksmo employees on suspicion of violating Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ “propaganda” and “extremism” laws.
Three top managers of Popcorn Books and another Eksmo imprint Individuum remain under house arrest as part of the investigation. The charges of organizing the activities of an “extremist organization” carry a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Russia’s Supreme Court declared the so-called “international LGBT movement” an extremist organization in late 2023, effectively criminalizing any public displays of LGBTQ+ lifestyles and advocacy.
“This prevents the publisher from further development,” Eksmo told Vedomosti without mentioning the arrests.
Eksmo acquired a majority stake in Popcorn Books in 2023 following the 2021 success of its queer-themed bestseller “Summer in a Pioneer Tie,” which centers on a relationship unfolding in a Soviet summer camp between a teenage pioneer and a camp counselor.
The parent company appeared to distance itself from the imprint after the 2025 arrests.
Popcorn Books confirmed its closure in an emotional post Tuesday in which it thanked readers for their support “even when we barely had the strength to go on.”
“You are our foundation: humane, sincere and open to different voices and experiences,” Popcorn Books wrote on Telegram.
The publisher also appeared to refer to the arrest of its top managers, saying:
“Every day, we think of those we worked with for many years and are deploy concerned for them.”
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
