Dmitry Muratov, the editor in chief of Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta and the recipient of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, had red paint thrown over him by an unidentified man as he was travelling on a train from Moscow to Samara. Muratov said that the assailant shouted “Muratov, this is for our boys”. The journalist and his whole train cabin were covered in paint, which he said had burned his eyes. Muratov went to the doctor in Samara and he was diagnosed with burns in his eyes and conjunctiva. Novaya Gazeta reported on its website that creators of Telegram channel “Union Z paratroopers” had claimed responsibility for the assault. The channel’s message was published on Novaya Gazeta’s website and it said “We will come for each and ever one of you, just wait!” It also accused of spreading lies about the massacre by Russian troops of civilians in the Ukrainian city of Bucha. Novaya Gazeta suspended its work on March 28 after receiving second ultimatum from media regulator Rozkomnadzor.
UPDATE: On 28 October 2024, Russian independent media reported that a court in Moscow ruled that the decision by investigators not to open a criminal case into the attack against Muratov was legal.