The editor-in-chief of the respected Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, Sergei Sokolov, was apprehended in Moscow on Thursday on charges of discrediting Russia’s armed forces, as reported by the newspaper itself.
Sokolov’s detainment was carried out by officers from Russia’s Center for Combating Extremism (Center E), according to Novaya Gazeta. The charges against him are categorized as “administrative” and typically carry penalties such as fines or short prison sentences. These accusations stem from an article published by the newspaper, and the date for Sokolov’s hearing has yet to be announced.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) voiced their protest against Sokolov’s arrest on X, formerly known as Twitter, condemning it as another instance highlighting the severity of censorship in Russia.
Sokolov assumed leadership of Novaya Gazeta’s newsroom in September 2023, succeeding the previous long-serving editor-in-chief, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov, who had been labeled a “foreign agent” by Russian authorities.
In a significant blow to press freedom, a Moscow court revoked Novaya Gazeta’s license in September 2022. The newspaper, known for its critical stance against the Kremlin over the years, became a target amid the government’s ongoing crackdown on dissent.
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s deployment of troops into Ukraine just over two years ago, the Kremlin-controlled parliament enacted legislation criminalizing criticism of the Russian military and dissemination of “false information” regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
This move led to the banning of numerous independent media outlets in Russia, while others announced a cessation of any reporting related to Ukraine.
In response to the conflict in Ukraine, Novaya Gazeta announced in March 2022 that it was suspending its operations. However, its staff relocated abroad and launched a new project, Novaya Gazeta Europe, which has been vocally critical of Russia’s invasion of its neighboring country.
