In Yakutia, the independent newspaper “Tuimaada” announced its closure

The publisher and editor-in-chief of the Yakut independent newspaper “Tuymaada” Alexander Yakovlev announced the closure of the publication. According to him, the Yakut Republic Printing House refused to extend the contract for the publication of the newspaper. The state institution explained its decision with serious costs, since it is unprofitable to print newspapers.

The weekly “Tuimaada” has been published since the mid-2000s and has published materials criticizing the authorities and investigating corruption schemes. At the moment, the circulation of the publication is 3–3.5 thousand copies, about half of which is distributed by subscription.

“I don’t want to ask for subsidies, financing from rich companies, as many others do, and become someone’s mouthpiece. Therefore, with a sense of fulfilled journalistic duty, with a light heart, but with regret, I made the decision to close the newspaper,” said Alexander Yakovlev.

Yakovlev emphasized that he will continue to do business. He is registered as an individual entrepreneur and is a member of the Yakutsk City Duma from the Communist Party.

The Yakut republican printing house has the status of a system-forming enterprise of the region. This allows you to use preferential lending and other government support measures. All issues of federal publications, republican newspapers established by the government, municipal and private weeklies are printed in the printing house. Contracts for printing services with all editorial offices, except for “Tuimaad”, continue to apply.