Two Journalists: Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia have won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ressa, who is also a US citizen, is co-founder of Rappler, a digital media company for investigative journalism and Muratov, a co-founder of Russia’s leading independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta were conferred the award on Friday.
According to the chairwoman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen, they both represented all journalists who stand up for ideals in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions.
Reacting to the honour, Ressa said the prize showed that nothing is possible without facts, referring to the links between democracy and freedom of expression adding that it would give her and her colleagues tremendous energy to continue the fight.
Muratov meanwhile, dedicated his half of the prize to his newspaper’s six journalists and contributors killed since 2000, who include the prominent investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya who was assassinated in 2006.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, through his spokesman Dmitry Peskov also commended Muratov’s feat stating he was talented and courageous.
The prestigious award is accompanied by a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million).
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