(OSLO). Friday's 2021 Nobel Peace Prize award was given to Maria Ressa, a journalist from the Philippines, and Dmitry Muratov, a Russian journalist.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted their struggle for freedom of expression and stressed that it was vital to promoting peace.
Berit Reiss Anderson, chair of the committee, stated that free, independent, and fact-based journalism helps protect against power abuse, lies, and war propaganda.
She stated that it was difficult to promote fraternity among nations, disarmament, and a better world order in this time without freedom of expression and the freedom of press.
Ressa co-founded Rappler in 2012, a news site that focuses on President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial and murderous anti-drug campaign.
Dmitry Muratov, Novaya Gazeta editor, speaks with The Associated Press during an interview at the Novaya Gazeta newspaper in Moscow, Russia. Dmitry Muratov and Maria Ressa were awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for their work in fighting for freedom of expression in Russia and the Philippines. Alexander ZemlianichenkoAP
Rappler and She also documented the use of social media to spread fake news and harass opponents, and manipulate public discourse.
Ressa, reacting to the news, told Norway's TV2 channel, "The government (of the Philippines), will obviously not be pleased."
I was a bit shocked. She added that it was very emotional. However, I am glad for my team and thank the Nobel Committee that they recognized what we are going through.
Muratov was among the founders and editors of Novaya Gazeta, a Russian independent newspaper founded in 1993.
Novaya Gazeta, Russia's most independent newspaper, has a critical attitude towards power, according to the Nobel committee.
It added that the newspaper's fact-based journalism has made it an important source for information about censurable aspects Russian society, which are rarely covered by other media.
The Nobel committee observed that six journalists from Novaya Gazeta were killed since its launch, including Anna Politkovskaya, who reported on Russia's bloody conflict with Chechnya.
Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, praised Muratov for being a brave and talented person.
Peskov stated that we can congratulate Dmitry Muratov because he has always worked in line with his ideals in a conference call after the award was announced.
Reiss-Andersen pointed out that in the past the peace prize went to journalists, including Ernesto Teodoro Moneta from Italy, who was cited for his work in the media and in peace negotiations in 1907.
After revealing that Germany had secretly rearmed after World War I, Carl von Ossietzky received the prize in 1935.
Reiss-Andersen noted that fake news has created dangers for free speech. Ressa was critical of Facebook's manipulation of public debate. Fake news and propaganda that is false or misleading is a violation in freedom of expression. However, all freedoms have their limits. She said that this is an important aspect of the debate.
This prestigious award comes with a gold medal, 10 million Swedish Kronor (more than $1.14 million) and a gold medal. Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor and prize creator, left the bequest.
The Nobel Committee awarded Monday's prize in physiology/medicine to Ardem Patapoutian and David Julius of the United States for their research into temperature perception and touch.
Three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics Tuesday for their work in physics. Their work helped to predict and explain complex forces of nature, which includes our understanding of climate change.
Benjamin List and David W.C. MacMillan were announced Wednesday as Nobel Prize laureates in Chemistry for their efforts to find a simpler and more environmentally friendly way to create molecules that can be used for compound making, including pesticides and medicines.
Abdulrazak Gurnah (UK-based Tanzanian writer) was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature on Thursday. He was honored for his compassionate and uncompromising examination of colonialism's effects and the fates of refugees.
The prize for exceptional work in economics will be presented Monday.
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This report was contributed by Frank Jordans in Berlin and Vanessa Gera, Warsaw, Jan M. Olsen, Copenhagen, Denmark, Vladimir Isachenkov, Russia.
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