The Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta writes on its website that it has lost contact with Sokolov and that his phones have been “disconnected.” Russian authorities are also reportedly searching the editor-in-chief’s home in the country.
Sergei Sokolov is a respected journalist and long-time employee of Novaya Gazeta. He succeeded journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov as editor-in-chief.
On Thursday, Sokolov was arrested and designated a “foreign agent” by Russian authorities, a common tactic used against opposition forces in Russia. The measures are being pursued by Sledkom, Russia’s powerful federal investigative agency.
Sokolov has previously been arrested in Russia and accused of "undermining the Russian army".
Novaya Gazeta has previously been designated a “foreign agent.” Since March 2022, the publication has operated primarily from Latvia, but editor-in-chief Sokolov has chosen to live in Russia.
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the introduction of repressive laws have severely limited independent journalism in the country.
