BARBARA TRIONFI, Executive director, International Press Institute
The decision of the Nobel committee to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to two journalists, Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov, was wonderful news for those of us who strive to raise awareness about the numerous attacks on journalists worldwide and explain to the public about why they should care.
For us at the International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors and journalists dedicated to independent journalism, the award represents yet another validation of IPI’s vision. When IPI was established in 1950 following the horror and suffering of World War II, its 34 founding editors wrote: “World peace depends on understanding between peoples and peoples. If peoples are to understand one another, it is essential that they have good information.” Ever since, IPI has worked to promote conditions for independent, quality, public-interest journalism to exist, because this is the very foundation of democracy and global peace.
Seven decades later, the recognition given by the Nobel committee to two very worthy journalists “for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace” comes at a critical time. With authoritarianism on the rise across the world, the Covid-19 pandemic struck a fatal blow to many independent news organisations that were already struggling to survive in a world where governments see the media industry’s financial weakness as an opportunity to take control of the message.
Esta historia es de la edición October 31, 2021 de THE WEEK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 31, 2021 de THE WEEK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Ram temple not an issue in south
Much has been said this election season about the alleged north-south divide.
Haute and sweaty
In Mumbai, where I live and work, there is a severe heatwave going on. The highest temperature this month has been 40 degrees, sweltering and humid for the coastal city.
MOVE AWAY MARY!
In many parts of the world,unique names are becoming popular
CALL OF THE WILD
Tejas Thackeray, the younger son of former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, shares his passion for wildlife conservation and photography
CEPA and beyond
Bilateral trade between the UAE and India has grown almost 16 per cent year-on-year, touching $84.5 billion
Brash and raw
When I chanced upon Raj Narain, who humbled Indira Gandhi
Lone voice of dissent
“I am keen to invite Parakala [Prabhakar] to Mumbai… What do you think? Do you know him?” A friend asked. No, I don’t know the man. And no, it is not a good idea to invite him, unless you want to invite trouble, I replied.
Modi and the Muslim syndrome
I have long been intrigued by the prime minister’s desire to hug every passing sheikh and sultan and his contrasting contempt for the ordinary Indian Muslim.
Assam Rifles not trained to guard borders; need separate force for Manipur border
Imphal is blanketed in darkness. The sun has set a little too soon in the valley, but N. Biren Singh is yet to call it a day.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE SENTINELS
Manipur government wants the Assam Rifles replaced, but the Union home ministry is focused on upgrading infrastructure and connectivity before deciding who guards the state