The 2021 Nobel Peace Prize honors two Filipino and Russian journalists

This year's Nobel Peace Prize went to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, two Filipino and Russian journalists, for "efforts to protect the right to freedom of expression".

Freedom of speech "is a prerequisite for democracy and lasting peace" , the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in a statement today, awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Filipino journalist Maria Ressa and Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov .

Ressa and Muratov were awarded "for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia. At the same time, they represent all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world where democracy and freedom of the press faces increasingly unfavorable conditions , " Norwegian Nobel Committee Chairman Berit Reiss-Andersen said at a press conference in Oslo.

Maria Ressa (left) and Dmitry Muratov. (Photo: Twitter/@NobelPrize)

Journalist Maria Ressa is the co-founder of investigative news agency Rappler. She was commended for her tireless work to combat corruption and abuse of power in the Philippines. Ms. Ressa and Rappler also point out how social media is used to spread fake news and discredit opponents.

Ressa, 58, said she was "shocked" and "stunned" by the news that she had been awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, saying it was for Rappler reporters and editors who have worked fighting for truth since 2016.

"In the fight for truth, I think the Nobel Committee recognized that a world without truth is a world without faith and reason , " she said.

Dmitry Muratov, 59, is one of the founders of the Novaya Gazeta newspaper in Russia, frequently offering critical views on various aspects. Muratov is praised for fighting for freedom of speech, always defending journalists to write anything, as long as it adheres to professional standards and journalistic ethics.

"This award is not for me, but for the entire Novaya Gazeta collective, for those who have fallen to protect the right to freedom of speech. Now that they are no longer with us, the Nobel Committee may have decided. I intend to tell everyone that," Muratov said after being informed of the award.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov then congratulated Muratov, saying he had "persistently worked on his own ideals and devoted himself to them. He is a talented and brave man."

The Norwegian Nobel Committee annually awards the Nobel Peace Prize to an individual or organization for outstanding efforts and actions in promoting world peace. 329 candidates were nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, including 234 individuals and 95 organisations. The prize for the Nobel Peace laureate includes a gold medal, a certificate and a check for 10 million Swedish kronor ($1.1 million).

When Alfred Nobel died in 1896, he left a huge fortune and wanted to use part of this money to award the prize "to those who have brought the greatest benefit to mankind in the previous year".

Nobel's will said the prize would be awarded to the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine or physiology, literature and peace. The Nobel Peace Prize should be awarded to "those who have contributed the most or have done the best work to strengthen the friendship between nations, to abolish or reduce the standing army, or to promote peace conferences." , the will contains paragraphs.

The Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded to its winners on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. It is the first time journalists have received this prestigious award since 1935, when German journalist Carl von Ossietzky was honored for revealing the country's secret post-war rearmament program.