Novaya Gazeta to shut down servers on Nov. 9 after 30 years

Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta will cease operations on November 9, its editor-in-chief Sergei Sokolov announced Friday. Sokolov stated that Russian special services forced the editorial team to end its work after years of pressure. He described the publication as being killed by authorities who have intensified their crackdown since Russia sent troops into Ukraine.

The closure marks the end of a 30-year run for the paper, which Moscow has labeled a foreign agent. Sokolov said the team will shut down servers and leave their headquarters on November 9. The announcement came after Russian authorities searched Sokolov's home this month. That search was linked to a criminal case involving journalist Oleg Roldugin, who was arrested in April.

Roldugin faces charges for unlawful access to computerized information, a charge he denies. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial under house arrest. His detention period extends until November 10, according to the newspaper. Roldugin was one of several independent journalists pushed into exile as Russia introduced censorship measures comparable to Soviet-era controls.

Novaya Gazeta reduced its production inside Russia after the Ukrainian offensive began in February 2022. Authorities revoked the paper's media license that same year. The outlet had previously received international recognition for its work. Dmitry Muratov, the former editor-in-chief, shared the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.

The paper's closure follows a pattern of state action against dissenting media. Sokolov published his statement on YouTube on Friday, confirming the timeline for the shutdown. The final date aligns with the expiration of Roldugin's current house arrest terms. No further details were provided regarding the specific nature of the computerized information Roldugin allegedly accessed.