The independent Saratov-based outlet "Svobodnye Novosti" has announced it will cease operations, as stated in its social media posts.
"Saying goodbye is deeply painful. We managed to survive for nearly 13 years—a remarkable lifespan for an independent media organization in Russia. We're grateful to our readers for staying with us and to all who shared their stories, read our work, commented, and spread our content," the editorial team wrote.
According to "Speaks NeMoskva," the publication's website was blocked in April 2024 over coverage of election-related content, memorial protests for Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov, and support for barred presidential hopeful Boris Nadezhdin.
In July 2023, Roskomnadzor initiated legal proceedings to revoke Svobodnye Novostei's media registration. Despite the editorial board's efforts to contest the move, the court ruled against them.
The outlet also faced fines for alleged "misuse of free speech" after publishing material mentioning Dmitry Muratov, Novaya Gazeta's founding editor, without labeling him as a "foreign agent."
In 2023, Maria Aleksashina, the publication's editor-in-chief, reported receiving physical threats. Authorities declined to investigate her claims.