What's happened
Novaya Gazeta, Russia’s leading independent newspaper, has closed after eviction from its newsroom and a government label as a foreign agent. Donor banks blocked support, ending its income. Its co-founder, Dmitry Muratov, says the closure marks the culmination of decades of risk and advocacy for human rights.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The closure represents a strategic narrowing of Russia’s press landscape, removing a long-standing watchdog from the public sphere.
- The Kremlin’s use of foreign agent labeling and banking sanctions appears aimed at starving independent outlets of revenue and legitimacy.
- Muratov’s statements underscore the human cost—journalists scattered abroad, a once-vibrant newsroom dismantled, and a chilling effect across Russia’s media.
- The event may accelerate consolidation among remaining independent outlets, while raising international scrutiny of Russia’s media freedom record.
- Readers should monitor any new platforms or outlets that absorb the investigative work and continue to document rights abuses.
How we got here
For 30 years, Novaya Gazeta has published investigations into corruption, human rights abuses, and power abuses. It was labeled a foreign agent in September, prompting eviction notices to be served in late October and forcing the newsroom to move. The closure follows years of pressure and an economic squeeze on journalism in Russia.
Our analysis
BBC Business reports on the eviction, closure, and Kremlin response; France 24 notes the foreign agent label and donations halt; The Guardian provides first-hand reflections from journalists and a broader context of the closure. Direct quotes illustrate the emotional and professional stakes involved, including Muratov’s remarks and international reactions.
Go deeper
- What happens to the journalists who worked at Novaya Gazeta?
- Which new platforms or outlets will absorb its reporting?
- How might this affect Russia’s forthcoming press freedom landscape?
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Novaya Gazeta - Russian newspaper
Novaya Gazeta (Russian: Новая газета, lit. 'New[-style] Gazette', pronounced [ˈnovəjə ɡɐˈzʲetə]) is an independent Russian newspaper. It is known for its critical and investigative coverage of Russian political and social affairs, the Chechen wars, corruption among the ruling elite, and increasing authoritarianism in Russia. It was formerly published in Moscow until shortly after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine began. The print edition was published on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until 2022. Since then Novaya Gazeta has appeared online only, though its editorial team is still working out of Moscow, which is seen by some as one sign of resistance. English-language articles on the website are published on a weekly basis in the form of the Russia, Explained newsletter. As of 2023, the newspaper had a daily print circulation of 108,000, and online visits of 613,000. Seven Novaya Gazeta journalists, including Yuri Shchekochikhin, Anna Politkovskaya, and Anastasia Baburova, have been murdered since 2000, in connection with their investigations. In October 2021, Novaya Gazeta's editor-in-chief Dmitry Muratov was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, alongside Maria Ressa, for their safeguarding...
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