Russia Labels Novaya Gazeta a Foreign Agent

Russia’s Ministry of Justice has designated independent news outlet Novaya Gazeta a “foreign agent”, accusing it of opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, spreading false information about elections and collaborating with other foreign agents, according to The Moscow Times.

The designation imposes strict requirements on the outlet, including displaying a lengthy disclaimer on public statements and social media posts.

Authorities also added more than 100 people connected to Novaya Gazeta to a separate registry of individuals “affiliated with foreign agents”. The list reportedly includes Yabloko party chairman Nikolai Rybakov.

Affiliated individuals are not subject to the same requirements as foreign agents, although they must declare their status on electoral campaign materials.

Novaya Gazeta suspended its print edition shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 amid tightening censorship laws, but continued publishing articles and videos online.

Its former editor-in-chief, Dmitry Muratov, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for his efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.

(mja)