Status: 03/28/2022 15:44
Russia loses another critical medium: the newspaper “Novaya Gazeta” is suspended until the war in Ukraine ends. According to the editors, the reason is yet another government alert.
Russia’s most important independent newspaper, the “Novaya Gazeta”, is suspended. This decision applies until the end of the Russian “special operation” in Ukraine, the newspaper said. Under stricter media law, the war in Ukraine can no longer be called a war in Russia. The printed newspaper, the website and all activities on the online networks would be discontinued.
According to government notice
The reason given by “Novaya Gazeta” was that editors have now received the second notice from media regulator Roskomnadzor. Two of those warning letters from Russian authorities threatened to withdraw the license, he said. Thus, the newspaper is said to have failed to mention the addition of “foreign agent” in an article. Anyone who receives money from abroad as a non-governmental organization or as a medium, for example, has to describe himself as a “foreign agent” on instructions from the authorities. Many sufferers criticize the term as stigmatizing.
“Novaya Gazeta” is considered the most important independent newspaper in Russia. Its editor-in-chief, Dmitri Muratov, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year for his services to freedom of expression. He had publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for the war in Ukraine.
After passing a new law restricting freedom of the press and expression, the newspaper tried a balance: according to the new law, it refrained from writing about a “war”. However, “Novaya Gazeta” has recently published extensive reports on the plight of the people.
Selenskyj-Interview may not appear in Russia
She recently supported an interview by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy with independent Russian media, some of whom are now forced to work from exile. Media regulator Roskomnadzor banned publication of the interview in Russia.
The Russian government pressures the media in a variety of ways. Earlier this month, Kremlin-critical radio station Echo Moskvy announced its closure.