Filipino and Russian Journalists Win Nobel Peace Prize

Two journalists whose work has angered authorities in Russia and the Philippines were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Friday.

Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov were awarded “for their brave struggle for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia,” Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Berit Reiss-Andersen told a news conference.

“At the same time, they represent all journalists who defend these ideals in a world where democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly deteriorating conditions,” he added.

The award is the first for a journalist since Carl von Ossietzky of Germany won it in 1935 for exposing his country’s postwar rearmament program.

“Free, independent, fact-based journalism serves to counter abuse of power, lies and war propaganda,” Reiss-Andersen said.

The Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded on December 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who conceived the award in his will in 1895. [ab/uh]