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Derk sauer, Founder of The Moscow Times, dies at 61
MOSCOW – Derk Sauer, the Dutch-born journalist who founded The Moscow Times in 1992, passed away on November 23, 2023, at the age of 61. his death marks a critically important loss for self-reliant journalism in Russia and beyond.
Sauer launched The Moscow Times as one of the frist independent english-language newspapers in post-Soviet Russia, filling a crucial gap in information access during a period of immense political and economic transition. He initially funded the paper with a $250,000 loan and a small team, operating out of a cramped office near Mayakovskaya metro station in central Moscow. The paper quickly gained a reputation for its objective reporting and in-depth analysis, becoming a vital source of news for the international community and a growing Russian readership.
Under Sauer’s leadership, The Moscow Times navigated a challenging media landscape, often facing pressure from authorities and economic difficulties. Despite these obstacles, the paper maintained its commitment to journalistic integrity, providing a platform for Russian voices and perspectives often absent from state-controlled media. He fostered a collaborative surroundings, encouraging young Russian journalists to develop their skills and tell their stories.
Sauer stepped down as editor in 2008,but remained a guiding presence and a staunch defender of the paper’s independence. He continued to offer support and mentorship to the editorial team, even after the paper’s ownership changed hands several times. In recent years, The Moscow Times has faced increasing restrictions under the Russian government, being designated as an “undesirable institution” by the Prosecutor General’s Office in February 2024 and labeled a “foreign agent” prior to that. These designations criminalize the paper’s work within Russia and put its staff at risk.
Despite the current challenges, Sauer’s legacy endures. He provided a crucial platform for independent reporting in Russia, empowering a generation of journalists and contributing to a more informed public discourse. He is remembered by colleagues and friends as a valiant, principled, and dedicated journalist who believed in the power of the press to hold power accountable. He is survived by his wife, Elena, and their two children, Anna and Lucas, who reside in the Netherlands.
The Moscow Times continues to operate from outside Russia, committed to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia, and is currently seeking support from readers to continue its work in the face of government repression.
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the position of The Moscow Times.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support,no matter how small,makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant
