Responding to the announcement that Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia’s last independent newspapers, will cease operations on 9 November, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director, said:

“The closure of Novaya Gazeta is a devastating loss for everyone in Russia who turns to independent, investigative journalism to uncover the truth. This long-respected newspaper has withstood years of mounting state pressure, including criminal prosecutions, raids and attacks on staff members. Its journalists have been killed for doing their jobs. Its website has been blocked, its official registration cancelled and just last month, it was designated a “foreign agent.”

“The final blow has come with an eviction notice demanding that the newsroom vacate its premises, in addition to being cut off from online donations. While these measures were carried out by private actors, the authorities’ role is not in question.…