World
Novaya Gazeta Announces Closure After Authoritarian Pressure
Novaya Gazeta, a long‑standing symbol of independent journalism in Russia, has announced it will shut down, citing pressure from authorities. The editorial board released a statement on Friday declaring that the newspaper has been forced to end its operations. The statement, titled “We were killed,” said, “The newspaper is gone. The Russian authorities and … intelligence services forced the editorial staff to cease operations.”
The outlet has been designated a “foreign agent” by Moscow, a label used to stifle dissent. Editor‑in‑chief Sergei Sokolov posted a video on YouTube saying, “Novaya Gazeta is ceasing to exist. On November 9 we will turn off the lights in our home, where we have lived for 30 years. We will shut down the servers and leave.”
Earlier this month, Sokolov was taken in for questioning after authorities searched his home, citing a link to a criminal case involving colleague Oleg Roldugin, who was arrested in April on charges of “unlawful access to computerised information.”
Reporters Without Borders, after Sokolov’s arrest on October 15, noted that six of the newspaper’s journalists and staff members have been murdered, its newsroom raided, its journalists prosecuted, and the publication designated a foreign agent. The forced closure represents another escalation in Russia’s crackdown on press freedom, following the revocation of the paper’s media licence after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The newspaper had already reduced production inside Russia after the invasion.
The paper’s former editor‑in‑chief, Dmitry Muratov, jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for his efforts to safeguard freedom of expression while leading the publication.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Novaya Gazeta announce its closure?
The editorial board said the newspaper was forced to end operations by Russian authorities and intelligence services.
Who is the current editor‑in‑chief of Novaya Gazeta?
Sergei Sokolov.
What actions have been taken against the newspaper's staff?
Sokolov was taken for questioning after a home search linked to a criminal case involving colleague Oleg Roldugin; six journalists have been murdered, the newsroom raided, and staff prosecuted.