The journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia were honored for their brave efforts to defend freedom of speech, a crucial element for democracy and peace. The committee praised them as symbols of all journalists who fight for this cause in a world where democracy and press freedom are increasingly under threat. Ressa, a Fulbright scholar and Time magazine Person of the Year in 2018, has been a vocal critic of her country's authoritarian president, Rodrigo Duterte. Through Rappler, the investigative journalism company she co-founded, Ressa has exposed corruption in the government and investigated the financial dealings of top politicians. The committee also commended Rappler's work on the violent anti-drug campaign led by the Duterte government, which they likened to a war against the country's own people. Ressa and Rappler have shown how social media is used to spread fake news, harass opponents, and manipulate public discourse. Ressa, the 18th woman to win the Peace Prize in its 120-year history, expressed hope that the award acknowledges the challenges journalists face today. Muratov has been defending freedom of speech in Russia for many years, despite facing increasing difficulties. The Kremlin responded to news of the award by cracking down on critics, labeling them as "foreign agents." Despite facing harassment, threats, and violence, Muratov's independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta has persevered in publishing. Since the newspaper's establishment, six of its journalists have been killed, according to the committee, who mentioned Anna Politkovskaya, known for her articles on the Chechnya war. The committee highlighted editor-in-chief Muratov's commitment to the newspaper's independent stance despite threats and violence. Muratov has consistently defended journalists' right to write freely as long as they adhere to ethical standards. Many Russian dissidents had expected the Nobel Prize to be awarded to Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned opposition leader, and were disappointed when he was not selected. Muratov expressed surprise at receiving the award and admitted he would have given it to Navalny. He revealed that he missed several calls from Norway before the announcement, and his press secretary informed him moments before. He mentioned that he would give a portion of the prize money to support the fight against spinal muscular atrophy, a cause he has long supported, as well as to help journalism resist pressure from Russian authorities. Muratov stated in a radio interview on Friday that the battle against the media is not a battle against the media itself, but against the people. This year marked only the third occasion in the 120-year history of the prize where journalists were recognized for their efforts towards peace. Ernesto Moneta, an Italian newspaper editor and peace movement leader, was awarded the prize in 1907. Carl von Ossietzky, a German journalist, pacifist, and opponent of Nazism who was imprisoned by Hitler, received the prize in 1935. The Nobel committee selected from a large pool of 329 candidates, including climate-change activists, political dissidents, and scientists who contributed to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee emphasized the importance of free and independent journalism in safeguarding against abuse of power, lies, and war propaganda. They stated that freedom of expression and press are essential for promoting peace between nations, disarmament, and creating a better world order.