Journalists Who Took on Putin and Duterte Win 2021 Nobel Peace Prize

Last Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov. The two journalists have fought for truth and freedom of expression against the authoritarian pressures of their countries.

During a threatening time for independent journalism, Ressa of the Philippines and Muratov of Russia were recognized for “their courageous fight for freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.”

“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,” the Nobel committee said in a statement.

Through her digital media company, Ressa has been confronting her country’s authoritarian president, Rodrigo Duterte. As the co-founder of Rappler, she has exposed government corruption, researched financial holdings, and investigated potential conflicts of interest between political figures.

Because of her work, Ressa has been a popular target for President Duterte and his followers. Campaigns of online harassment and criminal charges were sent against the journalist and her organization.

However, this did not end Ressa’s work. After receiving the award, she described the peace prize as “a recognition of the difficulties, but also hopefully of how we’re going to win the battle for truth, the battle for facts: We hold the line.”

Muratov has also been in a long struggle against censorship. Being the co-founder and editor of Novaya Gazeta, an independent newspaper, he has defended freedom of speech in Russia’s hard conditions.

For years, Russian journalists have encountered multiple challenges that make their reporting and expression difficult. For example, many are forced to register as agents of foreign states. Not only does this designation require official paperwork, but it brings public disrespect.

Muratov has worked as the editor-in-chief of the newspaper since 1995, making him the victim of continuous harassment, threats, and violence. Nevertheless, the newspaper continued to publish, and Muratov’s work never stopped.

By acknowledging the astounding work of Muratov and Ressa, the Committee called attention to the arduous conditions journalists face. In countries like Russia and the Philippines, the censorship imposed by the government worsens the circumstances.

This recognition also raised awareness of the consequences of disinformation and false narratives, specifically the dangers they pose to democracies. The winner’s work has been proof of this reality, highlighting the importance of journalism and its contribution to peace.

“Free, independent and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies, and war propaganda,” said Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Nobel Committee, in announcing the awards.

Bibliography

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Dixon, R., et. al. (2021, October 8) Journalists known for taking on governments of Philippines and Russia win Nobel Peace Prize. The Wahington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/nobel-peace-prize-maria-ressa-muratov/2021/10/08/0d0516e8-2806-11ec-8739-5cb6aba30a30_story.html

Favila, A. (2021) Maria Ressa, durante una entrevista en la ciudad de Taguig, en Filipinas, este sábado. [Photograph]. El País. https://elpais.com/internacional/2021-10-09/maria-ressa-un-palpito-de-libertad.html

Kazakov—Kommersant, A. (n.d.) Why Dmitry Muratov's Nobel Peace Prize Matters for Russia's Journalists. [Photograph]. TIME Magazine. https://time.com/6105332/dmitry-muratov-nobel-peace-prize/

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to 2 Journalists, Highlighting Fight for Press Freedom. (2021, October 8). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/10/08/world/nobel-prize

Nobel Peace Prize: Journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov share award. (2021, October 8). BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-58841973