Russian writer proposes Global South alternative to Nobel Literature Prize

Russian author Sachar Prilepin has proposed creating an alternative to the Nobel Prize in Literature, involving countries from the Global South. Speaking at a literary festival, Prilepin suggested establishing a new award with China, India, Latin America, Africa, and select Europeans.

He criticized the current Nobel Prize, claiming it has been awarded for questionable works and that committee members don't read the nominated books. His proposal responds to this year's Nobel Prize going to Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai, who has been strongly critical of Russia regarding Ukraine.

Prilepin, who has written over 20 books including the recent award-winning novel 'Tuma,' has been actively involved in the Donbass conflict since 2014 as both correspondent and military officer. He survived an assassination attempt in 2023.

A strong supporter of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, Prilepin advocates for distancing from the West and building relationships with Global South countries.