The leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen, has announced that journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitri Muratov are this year’s recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ressa and Muratov are being honored “for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.”
See more: Who are Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, the winners of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize?
“Ressa and Muratov receive the award for their efforts for freedom of expression in the Philippines and in Russia. They are representatives of journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world where democracy and freedom of the press have increasingly narrow conditions,” the Nobel Committee stated.
This year, there were 329 nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize. This is the third-highest number of nominees ever.
“I’m in shock”
Ressa told TV 2 that she’s in shock about winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
“I’m in shock. It’s really emotional. But I am happy on behalf of my team and would like to thank the Nobel Committee for recognizing what we are going through,” Ressa said to TV 2.
“This means that we will continue to do what we do, with new energy. What we have always tried to do is create responsible journalism. It has become much more difficult with the advent of social media, which allows leaders to exploit their algorithms and break down democracies from within,” said Ressa.
She said she hopes she will be able to visit Oslo for the peace prize-giving. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee will wait until mid-October to reveal what form (in-person, online, or mixed) the Nobel celebration will take.
Nobel Committee leader: The award does not solve the problems
The Nobel Committee does not believe that the Nobel Peace Prize going to Ressa and Muratov will solve the problems journalists face in countries such as the Philippines.
In the Philippines and other countries such as Afghanistan after the Taliban took power, journalists are met harshly by local authorities, and are occasionally in danger of death, the committee says.
“This award will not solve the problems journalists and freedom of expression face. But, we hope it sheds light on the importance of journalism and how dangerous it is to exercise freedom of expression,” said Nobel Committee leader Berit Reiss-Andersen to NTB.
We don’t only see these dangers in a few countries, but all over the world, she stated.
Reiss-Andersen highlighted Reporters Without Borders‘ Press Freedom Index, calling it “sad reading.”
“Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are challenged all over the world. Our intention is to emphasize how important the press and freedom of expression are for democracy and peace,” she said.
Source: ©️ NTB Scanpix / #NorwayTodayTravel / NobelPrize.org
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