Russian editor-in-chief arrested

Novaya Gazeta writes that they lost contact with Sergej Sokolov at lunchtime on Thursday, just before an editorial meeting.

Sledkom, Russia's federal investigative agency, is behind the arrest, the newspaper said.

The authorities have reportedly searched his home and a lawyer is on his way to Sokolov.

Sergej Sokolov is a long-time employee and editor at the newspaper.

Moved the editorial office to Latvia

Novaya Gazeta is one of the strongest independent media houses in Russia and has been labeled a "foreign agent", a common way of confronting opposition forces in the country from the side of the state.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has imposed strict censorship laws and forced many independent journalists into exile.

Several independent Russian media have moved their newsrooms abroad due to the tightened laws.

Since March 2022, Novaja Gazeta is largely operated from Latvia. However, Sergej Sokolov has continued to work from Russia.