Novaya Gazeta, Russia’s last major independent newspaper, announced on Friday it will cease operations in November after a systematic campaign by the security services. The paper plans to close after being evicted from its 30-year headquarters and losing its donation platform. Editor Sergei Sokolov stated in a video that the authorities have stripped the newspaper of all resources, calling it a coordinated effort to eliminate independent journalism.
Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, sweeping censorship laws have made reporting nearly impossible, banning terms like 'war' or 'invasion'. Russian authorities revoked the paper’s licence, blocked its website, and designated it a 'foreign agent' to stifle dissent. Novaya Gazeta was known for exposing corruption and military misconduct; six of its journalists, including Anna Politkovskaya, were killed in reprisal for their work.
In 2022, many staff fled to Latvia to launch a sister publication, while Nobel laureate Dmitry Muratov remained in Russia to continue publishing online. Pressure intensified recently: police raided the office in April, arresting reporter Oleg Roldugin on charges he denies, and questioned Sokolov. The final issue will be released before vacating offices on November 9.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing