The editor of a Moscow weekly said he stands by the decision to devote its front page last week to the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, even though most of the print run was confiscated.

Moscow

The editor of a Moscow weekly has publicly supported his decision to feature Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of the Kremlin, on the front page of the publication's most recent edition. The issue was centered around the death of Navalny, showcasing the editor's bold move in the face of potential consequences. However, the majority of the magazine's print run experienced confiscation, indicating a significant suppression of the publication's distribution.

This act highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding freedom of the press and expression in the region, especially concerning criticisms of the government. The editor's willingness to risk potential repercussions for the sake of journalistic integrity and the dissemination of sensitive information underscores a commitment to reporting issues that are of public interest, despite the challenges posed.



Russian editor risks life to put Navalny on cover

The editor of a Moscow newspaper said he stands by the decision to devote its front page last week to the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, even though most of the print run was confiscated. The weekly, called Sobosednik, ran a front-page photo of Navalny with the caption, but there is hope, four days after his death. The issue contained a two-page spread with an obituary and coverage of vigils in his honor across Moscow. It was a striking contrast with most Russian state media, where Navalny's sudden death in an Arctic penal colony was either ignored or mentioned only briefly. Sobosednik's editor-in-chief, Oleg Roldugin, spoke to Reuters on Monday. OLEG ROLDUGIN, Editor-in-Chief, Sobosednik We are doing our normal journalistic work. We are doing a normal newspaper. There is a newsworthy occurrence. A person, quite famous, quite influential, has died. Shortly after hitting newsstands, virtually all copies were confiscated. Sobosednik focuses on coverage of society and politics with a liberal bent and previously published several interviews with Navalny. Roldugin says Sobosednik is effectively the last printed newspaper in Russia that, quote, does journalism, not politics. Under President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin has clamped down on press freedom. Most independent media outlets have been shuttered or forced into exile. All state media is directed to toe the government line. Russia's Internet watchdog blocked the newspaper's Web site after the start of the Ukraine conflict, and the paper has tried to create new sites that readers inside Russia can access. When news of its confiscation began circulating in Moscow, Roldugin says he received many calls asking for extra copies. He said the newspaper, which has a print circulation of around 154,000, is now more popular than ever among readers. For now, there are no problems with distributors, but Roldugin says the paper is braced for a possible further clampdown.

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