MANILA— World leaders on Friday sent congratulations to journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for winning the Nobel Peace Prize, citing their fearless fight for the truth.

Ressa, CEO of online news site Rappler, and Russia's Muratov were given the award "for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia."

• For her press freedom efforts, Maria Ressa wins the Nobel Peace Prize

"I congratulate Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov on being awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a press conference.

"As we congratulate the award winners, let us reaffirm the right to press freedom, recognize the fundamental role of journalists and reinforce efforts at every level to support a free, independent and diverse media."

Secretary-General @antonioguterres congratulates 2021 @NobelPrize winners @mariaressa & Dmitry Muratov, stressing that a free press is essential for peace, justice, sustainable development and human rights.

Read more here: https://t.co/NlBc7W6Utk pic.twitter.com/PBEyrYC0fG

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) October 8, 2021

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, tweeted: "Congratulations, @MariaRessa and Dmitry Muratov. Free, independent, and fact-based journalism is more important than ever ..."

Congratulations, @MariaRessa and Dmitry Muratov. Free, independent, and fact-based journalism is more important than ever - and Canada will continue to champion press freedom and freedom of expression, both here at home and around the world. https://t.co/EcHCsEUzh7

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 8, 2021

US President Joe Biden said in a statement the two journalists "have pursued the facts -- tirelessly and fearlessly."

"They have worked to check the abuse of power, expose corruption, and demand transparency. They have been tenacious in founding independent media outlets and defending them against forces that seek their silence," he said.

Former US State Secretary Hillary Clinton said she was "thrilled" when she found out that Ressa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

"If you’re new to her work, listen to our conversation from February about how she’s taken on the Duterte regime and disinformation on Facebook— armed only with the truth," she said, referring to her podcast episode with the journalist.

I'm so thrilled that journalist @MariaRessa has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

If you’re new to her work, listen to our conversation from February about how she’s taken on the Duterte regime and disinformation on Facebook—armed only with the truth. https://t.co/b2GIAPSqp6

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 8, 2021

Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist and the world's youngest Nobel Prize laureate, said she was "excited to congratulate"
Ressa and Muratov.

"The Nobel committee rightly recognize their work to protect freedom of expression and promote a free press. We must keep fighting for our right to speak freely, challenge leaders and improve social systems," she tweeted.

Excited to congratulate journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitri Muratov. The Nobel committee rightly recognise their work to protect freedom of expression and promote a free press. We must keep fighting for our right to speak freely, challenge leaders and improve social systems. https://t.co/akf8SpHTlI

— Malala (@Malala) October 8, 2021

Ressa in 2012 co-founded Rappler, which gave "critical attention on the Duterte regime’s controversial, murderous anti-drug campaign," the peace prize body said.

In a statement, it said Ressa "uses freedom of expression to expose abuse of power, use of violence and growing authoritarianism in her native country, the Philippines."

• Rappler chief Maria Ressa found guilty of cyber libel

The Nobel Peace Prize will be presented on Dec. 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who founded the awards in his 1895 will.

Nobel laureates will receive 10 million Swedish kronor (SEK) or $1.15 million, a diploma, and a gold medal, based on the Nobel Prize website.

Among notable Nobel peace laureates include former US President Barack Obama (2009), Nelson Mandela (1993), and Aung San Suu Kyi (1991).

— with a report from Agence France-Presse

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