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Novaya Gazeta shuts down Nov. 9 after authorities pressure

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Novaya Gazeta will cease operations on November 9, 2026.
Editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov says Russian authorities and security services forced the closure.
Staff learned they were evicted from their Moscow newsroom on Potapovsky Lane after nearly 30 years.
The paper’s reader donation system was switched off, ending its last source of funding.
The shutdown leaves Russia without any major independent newspapers operating domestically.

History

In June 2014 Russia amended the foreign-agent law, letting the Ministry of Justice label NGOs and media without consent; amendments in 2021 added a 60-item list and in 2022 removed the need for proof of foreign funding. By 2026 a 30 % flat tax on designated agents and the eviction of Sergei Sokolov’s Novaya Gazeta office illustrate the law’s cumulative squeeze on independent journalism.

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In June 2014 Russia amended the foreign-agent law, letting the Ministry of Justice label NGOs and media without consent; amendments in 2021 added a 60-item list and in 2022 removed the need for proof of foreign funding. By 2026 a 30 % flat tax on designated agents and the eviction of Sergei Sokolov’s Novaya Gazeta office illustrate the law’s cumulative squeeze on independent journalism.

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