They killed us": Russia's last major independent newspaper closed under pressure from the authorities - BBC Russian editor Steve Rosenberg. Over the past three decades, Novaya Gazeta has been one of the most famous independent news publications in Russia. Now the newspaper is closed, and at the same time accuses the Russian authorities of "murder". "They killed us," said a statement on the publication's website. "The newspaper is no more. The Russian authorities and the Russian intelligence services forced the publication to stop its work." Novaya Gazeta received an eviction order. Most importantly, the system that allowed the newspaper to receive donations from readers was also disabled. This eliminates the possibility of financing the publication. Novaya Gazeta has built a reputation for fearless investigative journalism on issues such as corruption, human rights abuses and the abuse of power by officials and bureaucrats - issues that are dangerous in Russia. Six journalists associated with the publication were killed for "fulfilling their professional and civic duty". Among these reporters is Anna Politkovskaya. In a statement announcing the closure, Novaya Gazeta sharply criticized the Russian authorities, blaming the "oppressive state apparatus." "Human rights and freedoms have been abolished in the country, and their protection is likened to a crime," the statement said. "The courts were destroyed along with the law. Personal beliefs are now considered treason." Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the pressure on independent press has steadily increased. New laws were passed. Their purpose: to punish opponents and silence criticism of the war and the authorities. The newspaper "Novaya Gazeta" itself and its employees faced many problems.
The authorities have already revoked the newspaper's license and blocked access to its website. Some of its journalists and writers were declared "foreign agents".
Earlier this year, the police raided the system.