Journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov have won the Nobel Peace Prize for their “courageous fight” to defend freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia.
The committee called the pair “representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions”.
The Nobel Committee said These rights are crucial prerequisites for democracy and protect against war and conflict. The award of the 2021 #NobelPeacePrize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov is intended to underscore the importance of protecting and defending these fundamental rights
“Free, independent and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies and war propaganda. The Norwegian Nobel Committee is convinced that freedom of expression and freedom of information help to ensure an informed public.”
These rights are crucial prerequisites for democracy and protect against war and conflict. The award of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov is intended to underscore the importance of protecting and defending these fundamental rights, says the Nobel Committee
The winners of the prestigious prize, worth 10m Swedish krona (£836,000; $1.1m), were announced at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo.
They were selected out of 329 candidates.
Others tipped as contenders this year included climate activist Greta Thunberg, media rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and global health body the World Health Organization (WHO).
The prize is intended to honour an individual or organisation that has “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations”.
Last year’s winner was the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which was awarded for its efforts to combat hunger and improve conditions for peace.