Novaya Gazeta Founder: 'They Strangled Us' as Russian Independent Paper Shuts Under Pressure

The founder of Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia's most high-profile independent newspapers, has said the outlet was 'strangled' after it was forced to shut down under pressure from authorities. The closure of the publication, which has operated for three decades, was announced following mounting restrictions on independent media in Russia.

Novaya Gazeta has long been known for its investigative reporting and critical coverage of the Kremlin. In recent years, it has faced increasing pressure, including warnings from regulators and legal challenges. The founder's remarks underscore the challenges facing independent journalism in Russia, where several other outlets have also been forced to close or scale back operations.

The shutdown has raised concerns about press freedom in Russia and drawn reactions from international media watchdogs and free speech advocates. The closure of Novaya Gazeta is seen as a significant blow to media pluralism in the country, and observers warn that it could further isolate Russian audiences from independent sources of information. The newspaper's team has not announced any immediate plans for the future.