By Salma El-Sakka
Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia's most prominent independent newspapers, announced its closure after authorities issued an eviction order and simultaneously disabled the donation system that funded the publication, leaving it with no financial lifeline.
Authorities Escalate Crackdown
The shutdown follows years of mounting pressure that intensified after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The newspaper's license was revoked, its website blocked, and several journalists were designated "foreign agents" — a label frequently used to silence critics. New laws adopted since the invasion aim to punish dissent and criticism of the war.
Legacy of Investigative Reporting
For three decades, Novaya Gazeta built a reputation for fearless investigative journalism exposing corruption, human rights violations, and abuse of power by officials. Six journalists connected to the paper were killed for their work, including Anna Politkovskaya, who was shot dead in 2006 after reporting on the wars in Chechnya.
Recent Legal Actions
Earlier this year, police searched the editorial office and arrested veteran investigative journalist Oleg Roldugin on charges of unlawful access to computerised information. Editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov was subsequently taken in for questioning and his home was searched.
Nobel Laureate Founder Targeted
Co-founder Dmitry Muratov, who served as chief editor for many years, was awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to safeguard freedom of expression. The honor did not shield him from being declared a "foreign agent" by Russian authorities in 2023.
End of an Era
Staff at Novaya Gazeta have begun packing up the office, marking the end of a publication that symbolized independent journalism in an increasingly authoritarian Russia.
