Pulkovo customs detained the book the Future is the history of how totalitarianism has returned to Russia” (“the Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia”) journalist Masha Gessen, published in USA. This was told by the lawyer Sergei Golubok on his page in Facebook.
Dove ordered the book on Amazon by DHL Express. At Pulkovo customs, the book arrived on 14 November, same day DHL requested Dove letter for customs explaining that the book “does not contain calls to extremism and terrorism”. According to DHL earlier delivery of this book was the complexity and they decided to play it safe.
Then the Pulkovo customs office demanded that the answer is there in the book “signs of promotion of certain views and ideology.” DHL transferring the request to the Dove.
He wrote to the customs office the following: “Books and are written to Express and convey to an indefinite number of persons “certain views”. In addition, a book I haven’t read, so I can’t firmly say what is written in it. The book is a documentary piece that contains the author’s assessment of the number of events in the modern history of Russia. Different points of view, their public discussion and expression are the most important feature of a democratic state, which, under the Constitution, is Russia”.
Then, on 20 November, customs sent the book for examination. Customs officers explained to “Kommersant” that the law prohibits the EEU “printed and audiovisual materials, containing information which can harm political or economic interests of the member States of the Union, their national security, health and morality of citizens.” So they requested examination, to ensure that these restrictions are met in the book.