MOSCOW (Reuters) – The editor of a Moscow weekly stands by the decision to dedicate its front page to the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, despite most copies being confiscated. Sobesednik (Interlocutor) featured a two-page spread on Navalny on Feb. 20, four days after his death, with an obituary and coverage of vigils held in his honor in Moscow.
The front page included a photo of Navalny with the caption: “…but there is hope!” This move was in contrast to Russian state media, which mostly either ignored or briefly mentioned Navalny’s death in an Arctic penal colony. Channel One television briefly interrupted its broadcast but did not run a major segment on the news.
In an interview with Reuters, Sobesednik’s editor in chief Oleg Roldugin defended the decision to feature Navalny on the cover, citing his fame and influence. Roldugin said, “There was a newsbreak – a man who is well-known and influential enough had died. Therefore, we did our normal journalistic work.”
Almost all copies of the edition were confiscated without legal justification, according to Roldugin. The paper has a print circulation of approximately 154,000, but the exact financial losses from the confiscation are unknown. The Kremlin, under President Vladimir Putin, has tightened its grip on press freedom, shutting down independent media outlets and controlling state media.
Navalny’s death has left the Russian opposition without its prominent leader, causing despair among his supporters at home and abroad. His family and allies accuse the Kremlin of his murder, a claim strongly denied by the government. The funeral arrangements for Navalny are yet to be announced but expected to take place in Moscow.
Established in 1984 in Moscow, Sobesednik focuses on society and politics with a liberal perspective. It has previously featured interviews with Navalny. The paper’s website was blocked by Russia’s internet watchdog after the Ukraine war began, though attempts have been made to create new accessible sites for readers inside the country.
Roldugin mentioned that the newspaper remains one of the few print publications in Russia emphasizing journalism over politics. While there are currently no issues with distributors, the paper is prepared for possible further restrictions. Advertising remains challenging without a functional website in Russia.
Despite challenges, Roldugin stated that the newspaper has seen increased popularity among readers. Following news of the confiscation, he received numerous requests for extra copies. He believes the attention garnered was not the authorities’ intention, as both the cover and content were noticed by many.
(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
