Sergei Sokolov, the editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, was arrested after a search of his home in Moscow

Sergei Sokolov, editor-in-chief of the independent Russian publication Novaia Gazeta, was arrested on Thursday after his home in Moscow was searched. The journalist was taken to the Investigative Committee, and the authorities have so far provided no details about the charges brought in the case.

Novaia Gazeta announced on Telegram that the newsroom lost contact with Sokolov around noon, shortly before an editorial meeting he was due to lead. A lawyer is on the way to assist him.

The publication, classified by the Russian authorities as a “foreign agent,” is known for investigations into human rights violations and for its critical stance toward the Kremlin. The newsroom’s offices were also searched in April, and journalist Oleg Roldughin was detained.

Sokolov was also arrested in 2024 and prosecuted for “discrediting the armed forces” following the publication of an article. The action was condemned by Reporters Without Borders.

Novaia Gazeta’s activities were restricted after military censorship was introduced in Russia in February 2022, at the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The publication continues to appear, primarily online. The “foreign agent” label entails strict administrative obligations and is frequently used by the Russian authorities against critical voices.