"Take This" Russian Journalist Criticizing Ukraine Invasion Attacked with Red Paint on Train

Suspected Far-Right Forces Reacting Against Criticism of Ukraine Invasion Coverage

Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of Russia's leading independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was attacked with red paint by an unidentified man on a train bound for Samara departing from Moscow on the 7th.
Photo by Novaya Gazeta Twitter.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] A Russian journalist who won the Nobel Peace Prize and has criticized the invasion of Ukraine was attacked with paint on a train.

According to DPA news agency on the 8th (local time), Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of the prominent Russian independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta, was attacked with red paint by an unidentified man on a train bound for Samara departing from Moscow on the 7th.

Muratov posted on his Twitter, "My eyes sting as if burning. I will try hard to wash it off," along with a photo. In the released photo, Muratov is seen covered in red paint on his face and upper body. The seat where he appeared to have been sitting is also stained entirely with red paint.

The assailant reportedly shouted, "Muratov, take this for our children," while pouring the red paint.

The police are investigating the detailed circumstances of the incident and said they are looking for two men related to the case.

In Russia, since the invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, most media outlets critical of the government have either voluntarily shut down or been blocked by the government, and extremist groups have been repeatedly attacking dissidents opposing the war.

At Novaya Gazeta, two journalists were shot and killed, among other incidents where staff members were murdered. Muratov announced on February 28th that publication would be suspended during Ukraine's "special operation" (the term used by Russian authorities to refer to the invasion of Ukraine). He said it was "an effort to save the respected media outlet from complete closure."

Muratov co-founded Novaya Gazeta in 1993 with Mikhail Gorbachev, former General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, and has served as editor-in-chief since 1995. He has exposed corruption in Vladimir Putin's regime and was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last October with Philippine journalist Maria Ressa for their efforts to protect freedom of expression.