The editor of the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, for his role in “the courageous fight for freedom of expression in Russia.” Now the newspaper is being forced to shut down after what the Norwegian Nobel Committee calls “sustained pressure” from Russian authorities.
Under the leadership of editor and co-founder Dmitry Muratov, noted the Nobel Committee, “the newspaper documented corruption, human rights violations and abuses of power at great risks to its journalists” and staff. Six of them have been murdered while others have been subjected to threats, physical violence and attempted murder.
The closure of the newspaper in Russia, stated the committee, “is therefore also an attack on the work for which Muratov was honoured.” The newspaper’s European edition, Novaya Gazeta Europe, will continue its work although it remains banned in Russia and banned online.
“The closure is a grave blow to freedom of expression and the public’s right to information,” stated Jørgen Watne Frydnes, leader of the Norwegian Nobel Comittee. “The Norwegian Nobel Committee stands with Dmitry Muratov and his colleagues, and calls on the Russian authorities to end their repression of independent media, journalists and civil society.”
NewsinEnglish.no staff
