Russia's last major independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta shuts down Moscow office
The publication cited sustained pressure from government officials and security agencies for the closure of its newsroom after 33 years.
Novaya Gazeta, Russia's last major independent newspaper critical of the Kremlin, shut down its Moscow office on Monday, according to the Times of India. The newspaper stated that Russian authorities and security services forced its editorial team to cease operations.
The publication, which was founded in 1993, has faced mounting restrictions since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It was previously designated a “foreign agent” and was fined over allegations of discrediting the Russian armed forces.
In a statement published on October 30, the newspaper said human rights and freedoms have been abolished in the country. It added that defending such freedoms is now treated as a crime and that civil society institutions have been wiped out.
Investigations desk editor Tatiana Britskaya said she had expected the shutdown almost every day over the last four-and-a-half years. She described the decision as incredibly difficult, stating the office was more than a workplace and was their home.
Editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov expressed hope that the newspaper would eventually return to its readers and colleagues once the country stirs. Six journalists were killed for their work at the publication, including Anna Politkovskaya, who was shot dead in 2006.
Some journalists left Russia in 2022 to establish Novaya Gazeta Europe, which continues to criticise the Kremlin and its military campaign in Ukraine.
