Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta is closing after decades of reporting. Leaders accuse the state of silencing their work through repression.
Workers at Novaya Gazeta are packing up their office today. The staff must clear out their home of thirty years. This newspaper served as a top independent voice in Russia for three decades.
Next, the paper says authorities blocked all reader donations. The publication calls this move a targeted act of destruction. Co-founder Dmitry Muratov claims the government chose to strangle them.
Also, the state took away their media license and banned print editions. Officials labeled many staff members as foreign agents. Banks now refuse to process any funds for the group.
Then, the paper noted the high cost of their bravery. Six former staff members lost their lives while working. This includes reporter Anna Politkovskaya, who died twenty years ago.
However, the newspaper kept working until now. They managed to survive despite constant government pressure. They even used special internet tools to reach their loyal readers.
Meanwhile, the state recently searched the editorial offices. Police arrested veteran journalist Oleg Roldugin on computer charges. They also questioned the current editor-in-chief about his work.
After that, the paper released a final, stinging statement online. They accuse the state of destroying all human rights. The editors claim that having personal beliefs now counts as treason.
Still, Dmitry Muratov remains firm in his personal mission. He won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in 2021. He says they will keep fighting for human rights.
Finally, the closure marks the end of an era for Russian media. The country continues to move toward a more authoritarian system. Independent journalism faces a very difficult future under these strict laws.