Russia revokes print licence of top independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta

Russian independent media have in recent years faced unprecedented pressure, with authorities further tightening the screws since the start of Moscow's February offensive in Ukraine.

A Russian court on Monday stripped investigative newspaper Novaya Gazeta, whose chief editor last year was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, of its print licence, in the latest blow to the country's independent media.

The announcement came as another Moscow court is expected to issue a verdict in the case of former defence reporter Ivan Safronov, who faces up 24 years in jail on controversial treason charges.

Russian independent media have in recent years faced unprecedented pressure, with authorities further tightening the screws since the start of Moscow's February offensive in Ukraine.

All main independent media outlets have been shut down in Russia or suspended their domestic operations after a series of media restrictions were imposed on coverage of the Ukraine conflict.

"The Basmanny court of Moscow invalidated the registration certificate of the print version of Novaya Gazeta," the outlet, which suspended publication in late March, said on social media.

U.N. Human Rights Office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the decision was "another blow to the independence of Russian media".

In a statement, the court confirmed the verdict which followed legal proceedings initiated by Russia's media watchdog Roskomnadzor.