Nobel Peace prize awarded to two journalists in fight for press freedom

Philippines journalist Maria Ressa and Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov were named the winners of the prize for their dedication to fighting for the freedom of expression

Philippines journalist Maria Ressa has also been named as a winner of the prestigious prize (

Image: REUTERS)

Two journalists have been announced as the winners of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for their dedication to fighting for the freedom of expression.

Philippines journalist Maria Ressa and Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov were named the winners of the prestigious prize today.

Chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen of the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced today: “Ms Ressa and Mr Muratov are receiving the Peace Prize for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia.

“At the same time, 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.”

Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov has been named as one of the winners of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize
(

Image:

AFP via Getty Images)

She added: “Free, independent and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies and war propaganda.”

Ressa, reacted to the news during a live broadcast by Rappler, the online news website she co-founded. She said: “I’m in shock.”

The Kremlin also extended their congratulations to Muratov, despite the fact his Novaya Gazeta newspaper is often criticised by Russian authorities.

Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, told reporters: “We can congratulate Dmitry Muratov.

“He persistently works in accordance with his own ideals, he is devoted to them, he is talented, he is brave.”

This is the first time journalists have been awarded the prize since 1935 when German Carl von Ossietzky won it for revealing his country’s secret post-war rearmament programme.

The official prize will be presented on December 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who founded the awards in his 1895 will.

The prize was awarded for the people or organisation who had “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations”.

The prestigious award is accompanied by a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (£836,000).

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE . Get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters .

Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following The Mirror every time you see our name.