Condé Nast stops publishing activities in Russia

Condé Nast will halt the distribution of Vogue Russia and its other publications in the country in opposition to a 'rise in censorship' in Russia, Report informs referring to Daily Mail.

At least 90% of Condé Nast's employees will be laid off as a result of the decision.

The iconic fashion brand long headed by Anna Wintour permanently terminated its franchise agreement with Condé Nast Russia on March 8, halting the printing of Vogue, GQ, GQ Style, Tatler, Glamour, Glamour Style Book and Architectural Digest - which combined reach more than 21 million readers in the country, the company said.

Vogue Russia, which had 800,000 subscribers and was the most-read high-end fashion publication in the country, announced its suspension 'until further notice' to its one million Twitter followers, writing that they 'believe that this is not a farewell letter, but only a short pause, after which we will return to you.'

'The escalation in the severity of the censorship laws, which have significantly curtailed free speech and punished reporters simply for doing their jobs, has made our work in Russia untenable.'

After its invasion of Ukraine began in late February, the Kremlin implemented laws allowing Russian authorities to fine and even imprison journalists who publish 'fake news' critical of the country's military or government.