Novel Peace Prize to journalists defending freedom

Two journalists won the Nobel Peace Prize of 2021, Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia. The Norwegian Nobel Committee said that freedom of expression was vital in promoting peace The journalists were recognized for their work in shedding light on government transgressions. (Time, October 8, 2021, by the Associated Press)

Muratov’s Novaya Garzeta reported boldly on the war with Chechnya, government corruption and the erosion of freedoms post-Soviet. Rappler CEO Ressa reported the extrajudicial executions of thousands during President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs. (AP News, October 8, 2021, by Vladimir Isachenkov and Hrvoje Hranjski with contributions from Anna Frants)

In citing the two journalists, the Nobel Committee declared, “Without media, you cannot have a strong democracy.” Democracy is in retreat across the world with autocratic rulers boldly attacking journalists. Journalists must also fight the social media to conserve fact-based reporting. (Nieman Lab, October 11, 2021, by Kathy Kiely)

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