Dmitry Muratov
Speed read
Dmitry Muratov was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his courageous fight for freedom of expression in Russia.
Full name: Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov
Born: 29 October 1961, Kubyshev, USSR (now Samara, Russia)
Date awarded: 8 October 2021
A fearless defender of freedom of speech
Dmitry Muratov is a Russian journalist and editor-in-chief. He is one of the founders of the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, where he has been editor since 1994. He is known as a fearless critic of the regime in Russia. Dmitry Muratov became involved in journalism as a student in Moscow and worked part-time at a newspaper. In 1987, he became a correspondent for the newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, where he was quickly promoted to news editor. In 1993, Muratov and about 50 colleagues left Komsomolskaya Pravda to start their own newspaper, Novaya Gazeta. Muratov has defended freedom of expression in Russia for many years, under increasingly demanding conditions. He has won several awards for his work, including the International Prize for Freedom of the Press in 2007.
"Russian journalism is being suppressed right now. We will try to help people who are now recognized as ‘foreign agents’ and who are being attacked and expelled from the country."
- Dmitry Muratov, The Moscow Times, 8 October 2021
Novaya Gazeta – A powerful channel for revealing injustice
The Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta was founded in 1993. The following year, Dmitry Muratov became its editor. Novaya Gazeta is one of the few independent newspapers in Russia that is openly critical of the ruling elite. The newspaper is published three times a week and features investigative articles on corruption, human rights violations, electoral fraud and misinformation. The employees of Novaya Gazeta are constantly exposed to threats and harassment. Six of the newspaper’s journalists have been killed. Despite this, Dmitry Muratov continues his work of informing the Russian people about blameworthy aspects of Russian society.
Truth for sale
Muratov and Novaya Gazeta cover many stories that are not featured in other Russian media. In addition to investigating topics such as corruption and police violence, the newspaper has also focused on so-called “troll factories”. A troll factory is a kind of media channel that produces fake news to order. These factories operate secretly, and it is often difficult to trace fake news back to them. In recent years, they have been accused of influencing elections in many countries around the world, including Russia and the United States.
| Freedom of the press Freedom of the press means that the press has the right to provide information, and engage in criticism and debate, without censorship or risk of retaliation. |
Persecuted journalists in Russia
The Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index for 2021 ranks Russia at 150th place out of 180. In comparison, Norway is ranked No. 1. Russian journalists work under increasingly difficult conditions and are exposed to violence, threats and killings. Since the year 2000, 26 journalists have been killed. Anna Politkovskaya is one of the most famous. She worked for Novaya Gazeta and wrote revealing articles about the war in Chechnya. She was killed in 2006.
"I hope this prize will help us to protect ourselves against attacks from the authorities. This award is important not just for us, but the whole of the Russian journalism community."
- Pavel Kanygin, Novaya Gazeta reporter, The Moscow Times, 8 October 2021.
| Freedom of expression The right you have to express your opinion, as long as it is not hateful or discriminatory. You also have the right to receive and provide information. |
| Democracy Greek for government by the people. A form of government in which all adult citizens participate in the governing of the state and everyone is equal under the law. Most democracies are representative governments. Individuals are elected to assemblies that take decisions on behalf of all citizens. |
Freedom of expression awards
Announcing the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021, the Norwegian Nobel Committee emphasised freedom of expression as a prerequisite for democracy and lasting peace. The peace prize has been given to brave critics before. Two of the most famous, Carl von Ossietzky in 1936 (for 1935) and Liu Xiaobo in 2010, also faced strong reactions when they received it. Among other famous peace laureates who had to endure threats and persecution for their outspokenness are Martin Luther King jr (1964), Nelson Mandela (1993) and Malala Yousafzai (2014). Including Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, 15 journalists and writers have received the Nobel Peace Prize.
"This award is in memory of our slain colleagues. They were brave. We will continue their work."
- Dmitry Muratov, interview with the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, 8 October 2021.
Learn more
In this interview from September 2023 Dmitry Muratov talks about what the Nobel Peace Prize has meant to him, what inspires him and why freedom of speech is so important.
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Nobel Prizes and laureates
Six prizes were awarded for achievements that have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind. The 12 laureates' work and discoveries range from proteins' structures and machine learning to fighting for a world free of nuclear weapons.
See them all presented here.
