Justice Ministry Designates Novaya Gazeta as ‘Foreign Agent’

Sep. 4, 2026 Dmitry Muratov, former editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta. Kena Betancur / AFP Russia’s Justice Ministry on Friday designated the independent online news outlet Novaya Gazeta as a “foreign agent.” Authorities claimed Novaya Gazeta publicly opposed the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, spread “false information” about elections and collaborated with other “foreign agents.” Hundreds of cultural figures, journalists, businesspeople, as well as news outlets and organizations, have been branded “foreign agents” since Russia introduced the label in 2012. Russia applies the designation to individuals it views as enemies of the state. Those branded as “foreign agents” are required to include a lengthy disclaimer in all of their public appearances and statements, including posts on social media. Authorities also expanded the registry of persons “affiliated with foreign agents” by adding more than 100 individuals connected to Novaya Gazeta. The list reportedly includes Yabloko party chairman Nikolai Rybakov. Affiliated individuals are not subject to the same strict requirements, but are required to declare their status on all electoral campaign materials. Novaya Gazeta ceased print publication shortly after the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine due to censorship laws that the government passed as part of a broader crackdown on the press. The newspaper has continued to publish articles and videos online. Novaya Gazeta’s former editor-in-chief, Dmitry Muratov, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for his “efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.” Also on Friday, Russia’s Justice Ministry added writer Felix Sandalov, poet Sergei Leibgrad, scientist Tatiana Tatarinova and the academic journal Historical Expertise to its list of more than 1,250 “foreign agents.” All five entities and individuals were accused of systemically distributing materials produced by existing “foreign agents” or “undesirable” organizations and spreading “false information” about government policy. Read more about: Foreign Agents , Novaya Gazeta , Justice Ministry Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Anti-War Politician Boris Nadezhdin Branded ‘Foreign Agent’ The designation comes nearly a month after Nadezhdin submitted documents to run for Russia’s lower-house State Duma in September. Foreign agents are... 1 Min read Russia Labels Meduza CEO Timchenko ‘Foreign Agent’ Authorities accused her of spreading “inaccurate information aimed at forming a negative image of the Russian armed forces.” 2 Min read A Priest, a Pianist and a Spy: Russia’s Latest “Foreign Agent” Designations Hundreds of cultural figures, journalists, businesspeople, as well as news outlets and organizations, have been branded “foreign agents” since 2012... 2 Min read Declaring Novaya Gazeta 'Foreign Agent' Would Be 'Stupid' – Muratov The independent newspaper's editor-in-chief received the Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.