'They Have Killed Us:' A Russian Newspaper Closes
Novaya Gazeta, Russia's prominent independent newspaper, has announced its closure after more than three decades of operation. Editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov declared in a video statement that the outlet had been killed by relentless pressure from authorities. The decision follows a severe crackdown by the Kremlin, including the blocking of its websites, the stripping of its registration, and its designation as a foreign agent. Staff members stated they will turn off the lights on November 9 as the publication ceases operations entirely.
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- ✓ Novaya Gazeta announced its closure on Friday after operating for more than 30 years.
- ✓ Editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov stated in a video that Novaya Gazeta has been killed.
- ✓ The editorial staff was evicted from its office in Potapovsky Lane in central Moscow, where journalists had worked for 29 years.
- ✓ The newspaper was once edited by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov.
What changed
Novaya Gazeta officially announced its permanent closure and the cessation of its operations following intense state pressure and eviction from its long-time headquarters.
Live updates
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Russia's Last Free Newspaper Novaya Gazeta Closes
Novaya Gazeta, Russia's prominent independent newspaper, has announced its closure after more than three decades of operation. Editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov declared in a video statement that the outlet had been killed by relentless pressure from authorities. The decision follows a severe crackdown by the Kremlin, including the blocking of its websites, the stripping of its registration, and its designation as a foreign agent. Staff members stated they will turn off the lights on November 9 as the publication ceases operations entirely.
Why it matters
The closure marks the dismantling of the last major independent voice in Russia's traditional print media. Over its history, the newspaper lost several journalists and staff members, including Anna Politkovskaya, who were killed or died under suspicious circumstances. The newsroom was also recently forced to evict its central Moscow office in Potapovsky Lane, which housed the Anna Politkovskaya museum.
What is confirmed
- Novaya Gazeta announced its closure on Friday after operating for more than 30 years.
- Editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov stated in a video that Novaya Gazeta has been killed.
- The editorial staff was evicted from its office in Potapovsky Lane in central Moscow, where journalists had worked for 29 years.
- The newspaper was once edited by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov.
What to watch next
- Whether the staff will attempt to launch an operational exile or underground continuation of the publication.
- The fate of the Anna Politkovskaya museum following the office eviction.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (20)
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- The New York Times — Novaya Gazeta, Fiercely Independent Russian News Outlet, Says It Will Shut Down
- CBS News — Novaya Gazeta, Russia's last independent newspaper, "no longer exists," as Putin erases the free press
- www.cnn.com — Novaya Gazeta, Russian independent newspaper, forced to shut ...
- Newser — Russia's Top Independent Newspaper Shuts Down
- CNN — ‘They killed us’: Russia’s last independent newspaper falls silent amid pressure from Kremlin
- Новая газета Европа — ‘They killed us’: Novaya Gazeta announces closure after more than 30 years
- meduza.io — ‘They killed us’: Russian independent newspaper ... - Meduza
- www.rferl.org — 'They Killed Us': Muckraking Russian Newspaper Novaya Gazeta ...
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