Russia: Independent Newspaper 'Novaya Gazeta' Closes Permanently and Bids Farewell to Its Historic Moscow Headquarters

The independent newspaper «Novaya Gazeta», widely regarded as one of the most prominent symbols of press freedom in Russia, has brought down the curtain on a journalistic journey spanning more than 30 years. It was forced to cease operations and shutter its doors after being added to the list of «foreign agents» by Russian authorities in early September 2026, completely depriving it of funding and sources of income.

A Final Editorial Meeting Amid Moving Boxes

In the narrow corridors of the newspaper's headquarters, cardboard boxes piled up and cleared desks were enveloped in the smell of stale tobacco. As furniture was packed away, journalists entered their offices one last time to hold a symbolic editorial meeting. A heavy, emotional atmosphere hung over the room before gradually easing, as Editor-in-Chief Sergei Sokolov addressed his team, affirming that «Novaya Gazeta» is not merely a newspaper, but an «idea», and that this idea will remain alive and will not die.

Honoring Martyrs of the Word and Condemnation by Nobel Peace Laureate

The closing moments witnessed a solemn scene when Sergei Sokolov took down a sign bearing the newspaper's name, alongside portraits of six of the paper's journalists who were killed in the line of duty. The portraits were placed inside a cardboard box on which Dmitry Muratov, co-founder of the newspaper and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, wrote: «Keep with extreme care», in a tribute of loyalty to the memory of fallen colleagues.

Dmitry Muratov, who has also been personally designated as a «foreign agent», condemned the tragic state of affairs, stating that advocates for peace in Russia have been deprived of the right to read what they choose, and have likewise been prevented from voting for the anti-war party «Yabloko», which they supported.

«Novaya Gazeta Lived Here»

Outside the building, journalists and supporters, joined by international reporters and emotional readers, chanted the song «Eto vsyo» («That's All»), which has become an anthem of the Russian opposition. A young female photographer expressed her sorrow, saying she made sure to take pictures to immortalize this place and this sad day and to support the paper, voicing hope that it would return to print one day, despite the lack of any indications that it could resume its activities in the future.

Following final embraces, the crowd dispersed from outside Building No. 3 on Potapovsky Lane in Moscow, where a white rose was placed on a new commemorative plaque that read: «Novaya Gazeta lived here». Journalist Elena Panfilova remarked on the plaque, saying: «Usually, it is supposed to say 'Novaya Gazeta worked here,' but it was completely different for us; we truly lived here».