# Russian authorities force independent Novaya Gazeta to cease operations

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/they-strangled-us-says-founder-of-russian-newspaper-shut-under-pressure-from-authorities/
- Published: 2026-10-30T20:41:51+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T21:07:17+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC World (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmewepdr109do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Europe, World

## Key points

- Novaya Gazeta says restrictions have forced it to close.
- The paper lost its licence and access to reader donations.
- Six colleagues were killed for their journalism, it says.

## Summary

Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia’s best-known independent newspapers, says it has been forced to close after years of escalating restrictions by the authorities. Co-founder Dmitry Muratov says the paper has been “strangled” through website blocks, a ban on its print edition, the loss of its media licence and a halt to reader donations.

The newspaper built its reputation on investigations into corruption, human rights abuses and official misconduct, despite serious risks to its staff. It says six colleagues were killed in connection with their work, including journalist Anna Politkovskaya, murdered 20 years ago. Pressure on independent media has intensified since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine; this year, police searched the newsroom and an investigative journalist was arrested.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.