diff --git a/src/html_epub_preprocessor.py b/src/html_epub_preprocessor.py
index 22860d8..6a15775 100644
--- a/src/html_epub_preprocessor.py
+++ b/src/html_epub_preprocessor.py
@@ -404,7 +404,7 @@ def preprocess_pre_tags(chapter_tag):
 
         for child in pre.children:
             if isinstance(child, NavigableString):
-                text = escape(pre.text)
+                text = pre.text
                 text = text.replace('\t', '      ')
                 text = text.replace(' ', '  ')
                 elements = re.split('\r\n|\n|\r', text)