Russian Writer Denied Access To Uzbek Archives

(RFE/RL) -- Uzbekistan has refused to grant popular Russian writer Boris Akunin access to state archives for research on a book about Russian Duke Nikolai Konstantinovich Romanov and the last emir of Bukhara, Alim Khan.

Akunin, who is well-known for his historical novels about 19th-century Russia, told RFE/RL's Uzbek Service that he needs to find detailed information about the prince and the events that occurred during his lifetime.

He said that as a private person he cannot do research "without official approval."

Akunin said he needs access to the Foreign Ministry's historical archives and some others that are housed in government buildings.

He said the Uzbek Embassy in Moscow replied to his request by asking him to give more details about the content of his planned book and whether there would be something negative about Uzbekistan.

Akunin said when he refused to discuss the content of his novel he was denied access to the archives.