Today, the Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta has been forced to suspend its activities, as a result of censorship and following years of systematic intimidation by Russian authorities.
The decision, taken by Novaya Gazeta, is a result of the systematic crackdown on independent media outlets in Russia, including international media and social media platforms, imposed by Russian authorities. This media censorship is coupled with the manipulation and disinformation of Russian audiences by state-controlled outlets in the context of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine.
Novaya Gazeta is a journalistic institution whose work is acknowledged far beyond Russia. Its name is inseparable from that of its editor-in-chief Dmitry Muratov, who was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021; from that of Anna Politkovskaya, who was shot dead at her apartment building in central Moscow in 2006, as well as those five other Novaya Gazeta journalists who have paid with their life for their courageous work.
The European Union commends Russian independent media and individual journalists who defend the values of democracy, rule of law and freedom. Those who strive to inform the Russian people about the war waged by the Russian leadership against Ukraine, including the war crimes that are being committed by the Russian army, which are under investigation by the International Criminal Court.
The EU will continue to counter the Kremlin’s disinformation campaigns and support Russian independent media and journalists in their important work.