The journalists Maria Ressa from the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov from Russia were honored for their brave advocacy for freedom of expression, a crucial element for democracy and peace. The committee highlighted that they represent all journalists who defend this principle in a world where democracy and press freedom are facing increasing challenges. Maria Ressa, a Fulbright scholar and recipient of Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2018, has been a prominent critic of her country's authoritarian president, Rodrigo Duterte. Through her media company Rappler, she has exposed government corruption, investigated the financial interests of political leaders, and conducted groundbreaking reporting on the violent anti-drug campaign in the Philippines. The committee noted the high number of deaths in the campaign, likening it to a war against the country's own people. Ressa and Rappler have also observed how social media is being utilized to disseminate false information, intimidate opponents, and control public conversations. She is just the 18th woman to receive the Peace Prize in its 120-year history. Speaking on Rappler's Facebook Live platform, Ressa expressed her hope that the award was a recognition of the challenges faced by journalists today. She dedicated the award to Rappler, expressing her desire for strength to continue the fight for truth. Muratov has been advocating for freedom of speech in Russia for many years, working under increasingly challenging circumstances. Following news of the award, the Kremlin intensified its crackdown on critics, labeling nine journalists and activists as "foreign agents," subjecting them to burdensome requirements. A co-founder of independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta in 1993, Muratov has served as its editor-in-chief since 1995. Despite facing ongoing harassment, threats, violence, and even murders, the newspaper has persisted in publishing. The committee noted that since its establishment, six journalists from the newspaper have been killed, including Anna Politkovskaya, who wrote about the war in Chechnya. Despite the threats and killings, editor-in-chief Muratov has remained committed to the newspaper's independent policy, defending the right of journalists to write freely within the boundaries of professional and ethical standards. Many Russian dissidents had expected the Nobel Prize to be awarded to Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned opposition leader, and expressed frustration when he was not chosen. Muratov said he was surprised by the award and would have given it to Navalny himself. He mentioned receiving a last-minute heads-up from his press secretary before the announcement, after ignoring calls from Norway while in a discussion with one of his journalists. He mentioned that he would give part of the award money to support the battle against spinal muscular atrophy, a cause he has strongly supported, and to aid journalism in resisting pressure from Russian authorities. Muratov stated in a radio interview on Friday that fighting against the media is essentially fighting against the people. This year marked the third instance in the 120-year history of the prize where journalists were recognized for their efforts towards peace. Ernesto Moneta, an editor and leader of the Italian peace movement, received the award in 1907. Similarly, Carl von Ossietzky, a German journalist, pacifist, and critic of Nazism who was imprisoned by Hitler, won the prize in 1935. The Nobel committee selected from a pool of 329 candidates, one of the largest ever considered. Among the favorites were climate-change activists, political dissidents, and scientists who contributed to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee emphasized the importance of free, independent, and fact-based journalism in preventing abuse of power, misinformation, and war propaganda. They stated that without freedom of expression and press, it would be challenging to achieve global fraternity, disarmament, and a better world order.