Journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov were on Friday conferred the Nobel Peace Prize 2021 for "their courageous fight for freedom of expression" in their homeland, the Philippines and Russia, respectively, and exposing abuse of power in face of all threats.
Announcing the 2021 laureates, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said it chose Ressa, the founder and chief of Rappler, digital media company for investigative journalism, and Muratov, the founder of Russian daily Novaya Gazeta, for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, "which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace", and as "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."
Stressing "free, independent and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies, and war propaganda", the Committee said that it "is convinced that freedom of expression and freedom of information help to ensure an informed public" and that these rights are "crucial prerequisites for democracy and protect against war and conflict."
Why Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov?
"The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov is intended to underscore the importance of protecting and defending these fundamental rights," it said.
It noted that without freedom of expression and freedom of the press, it will be difficult to successfully promote fraternity between nations, disarmament and a better world order to succeed in our time, and thus, this year's Nobel Peace Prize award "is therefore firmly anchored in the provisions of Alfred Nobel's will".
(With inputs from IANS)
