Nobel Peace Prize Journalists from Russia and Philippines

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The AP reported that the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded jointly to journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov from Russia. And they have both persevered in countries where they are being harassed by their governments.

They were honored for fighting for freedom of expression. They both live in countries where reporters are subject to attacks and may even be killed for what they write.

Ressa and Muratov were honored for “courageous” work. And are representing freedom of the press.

 Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee said they are “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.” 

Nobel Peace Prize goes to truth-tellers

In 2012 Ressa co-founded Rappler in the Philippines. It is a news website that the committee noted has focused attention on President Rodrigo Duterte’s “controversial, murderous anti-drug campaign.” 

Ressa is the first Filipino to ever win the peace prize. And she is the first woman being honored this year.