The UK and Finland, as Co-Chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, called on Russia to end its repression of independent media following the closure of Novaya Gazeta.
The prominent independent Russian newspaper has ceased operating inside the country after more than 30 years. The statement described its closure as a stark reminder of the sustained pressure on independent journalism in Russia.
For decades, Novaya Gazeta and its journalists reported on corruption, repression and human rights abuses, often at great personal risk. The statement remembered reporters whose work cost them their lives, including Anna Politkovskaya.
The UK and Finland said Russian authorities continue to use repressive laws to crack down on media freedom. Independent journalists face risks including arrest, detention, harassment and political imprisonment.
The two countries expressed solidarity with independent journalists and media workers in Russia and in exile. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including unlawfully imprisoned journalists.
The statement said independent media are vital to ensuring access to reliable information and holding those in power to account. The UK and Finland urged Russian authorities to let journalists work freely and safely, end repression of independent media and uphold their international human rights obligations.
