Russia's prominent independent newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, has announced that it is shutting down after more than three decades of reporting, citing growing pressure from government authorities and security agencies.
The newspaper, which was founded in 1993, announced its closure on Friday, October 30, saying it had been forced to end its operations following what it described as a sustained campaign against its journalists and editorial team.
Editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov said Russian authorities and security services had made it impossible for the publication to continue working.
In an emotional statement, the editor said the newspaper would switch off its lights, shut down its servers and leave its Moscow offices on November 9.
Novaya Gazeta has been widely recognised for its investigative journalism, particularly its reporting on corruption, human rights violations and sensitive political issues involving the Kremlin.
However, its operations have faced increasing restrictions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Authorities revoked its media licence, blocked its website and later designated the publication a "foreign agent".
The newspaper has also faced several investigations targeting its journalists, with reporter Oleg Roldugin arrested earlier this year and senior editor Sergei Sokolov questioned by investigators.
Its closure follows years of pressure that have forced many independent Russian journalists to leave the country or stop publishing.
The newspaper's former editor-in-chief, Dmitry Muratov, received the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to defend freedom of expression.
Novaya Gazeta's decision to close marks another major development in the decline of independent media operating inside Russia.