Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta to close, citing pressure from ‘special services’

Novaya Gazeta, a prominent independent Russian newspaper, is shutting down due to government pressure and censorship. Editor Sergei Sokolov announced the closure, citing threats from authorities following recent searches and the detention of a journalist. The paper, labeled a 'foreign agent' by Moscow, has faced increasing repression since the Ukraine conflict began. Sokolov expressed that the newspaper has been effectively 'killed' and will cease operations on November 9. The crackdown on independent media has intensified since February 2022, with Novaya Gazeta previously losing its media license and reducing its production within Russia. Dmitry Muratov, the former editor, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for advocating freedom of expression.