Russian authorities force independent Novaya Gazeta to cease operations
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.
In short
- 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.
Explained simply
Novaya Gazeta is a Russian newspaper known for reporting on corruption, human rights abuses and alleged misconduct by officials. Its journalists have worked amid serious risks: the paper says six colleagues were killed in connection with their work, including reporter Anna Politkovskaya.
Dmitry Muratov, a co-founder and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has led the paper through years of growing pressure. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, authorities have further restricted independent media, making it harder for outlets to publish and receive funding.
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Originally published by BBC World as “They strangled us, says founder of Russian newspaper shut under pressure from authorities”.