Nikolai Rybakov: “Novaya Gazeta’s writers have lost the opportunity to publish their paper. But they have kept their dignity”
Statement by the Yabloko Chairman, 31.10.2026
Photo: The logo of Novaya Gazeta.
The Novaya Gazeta newspaper, which has been forced to close after 33 years of selfless work in Russia, is a unique phenomenon of global significance.
It is a team of outstanding journalists who lived and worked by the very principles they defended. Sometimes at the cost of their own lives.
They had the same letters, but different words.
Words that told the truth about what was happening in our country.
People waited for these words, trusted them, placed their hopes in them and passed them on.
After 24 February 2022, Novaya Gazeta lost its licence and its printing house, but remained true to its principles.
It has now been dealt with by those who hate these principles: those who hate peace and freedom, humanism and justice, honesty and decency.
For us, Novaya Gazeta was and remains a true friend. Many of us grew up reading its writers.
We thank Novaya Gazeta and its journalists for everything they have done.
Novaya Gazeta’s writers have lost the opportunity to publish their paper. But they have kept their dignity.
We are confident that Novaya Gazeta will return in the future.
Nikolai Rybakov
Yabloko Chairman
Posted: November 2nd, 2026 under Freedom of Speech, Human Rights.