Novaya Gazeta Has Been 'Killed,' But Putin Must Not Be Given the Final Word
The legendary independent newspaper's fate shows why supporting Russian independent journalism is more important than ever before.
On November 9, Novaya Gazeta, Russia's most revered independent newspaper, will cease operations. Established in 1993 with financial aid from former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the paper has stood defiantly against immense pressure for three decades. Its staff, including six killed on the job, have reported on corruption, human rights abuses, and war atrocities.
Despite threats and intimidation, the newspaper clung to its mission to expose wrongdoing and improve society. However, relentless legal and bureaucratic attacks precipitated its demise — the paper lost its license, website, and printing press, was labeled a "foreign agent," had its offices raided, and a columnist imprisoned. The journalists believe this is the culmination of the Kremlin's systematic suppression and the evolution of its tactics, particularly since the Ukraine invasion.
While killings have dropped to three in the past 12 years, at least 31 journalists are currently incarcerated, the most since CPJ began tracking. Charges against them are purposely vague, encompassing spreading false information, cooperating with foreign organizations, terrorism, and espionage.
Written by urgent.news from The Moscow Times - Opinion's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
