Russia's bastion of free press Novaya Gazeta shuts down under Kremlin pressure

Novaya Gazeta, a prominent independent newspaper in Russia, announced its closure due to increasing pressure from authorities, including searches and detentions of its staff. Editor-in-Chief Sergei Sokolov stated that the editorial team was forced to cease operations, marking the end of a 30-year legacy. The newspaper has faced severe censorship and was labeled a 'foreign agent' by the government, which has intensified its crackdown on independent journalism since the Ukraine conflict began. The situation escalated with the detention of journalist Oleg Roldugin, who is currently under house arrest awaiting trial.