Russia wants to silence peace prize laureate Muratov

“Dmitry Muratov He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote freedom of expression, freedom of information and an independent press,” says the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Beret Reese Andersen In the statement published on Saturday.

“The Russian authorities are said to be trying to silence him. They indicate that the accusations against him are politically motivated,” she said, adding that the Norwegian Nobel Committee continues to stand behind Muratov and the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, which he edits.

The Russian Ministry of Justice announced last Friday that Dmitry Muratov will now be classified as a “foreign agent”.

Obtaining the proxy seal means, among other things, that the persons and organizations identified must disclose their sources of funding, and are also required to privately mark all their publications – including those on social media – with a private label.

The Russian Ministry of Justice also accuses Muratov of “distributing content from other foreign agents”.

On the Novaya Gazeta website, the message is addressed with the following words: “What can be commented on?” After that, those who want comments are welcome to contact the Department of Justice.

However, the newspaper adds that 674 “deserving” people and organizations are now on the list of foreign clients.

Dmitry Muratov won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize with the Filipino journalist Maria Raisa.