Russian Nobel Peace Prize Winner To Auction Medal To Help Ukrainian Refugees

The co-winner of last year's Nobel Peace Prize, Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, wants to auction his medal to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees.

Muratov is the editor-in-chief of Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, who were forced to remove material surrounding Russia's military action in Ukraine in response to threats of criminal prosecution.

In the newspaper, they stated: "Military censorship in Russia has quickly moved into a new phase: from the threat of blocking and closing publications (almost fully implemented) it has moved to the threat of criminal prosecution of both journalists and citizens who spread information about military hostilities that is different from the press releases of the Ministry of Defense."

Within the article, Muratov states: "To share with refugees, the wounded and children who need urgent treatment what is dear to you and has a value for others.

"Novaya Gazeta and I have decided to donate the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Medal to the Ukrainian Refugee Fund.

"There are already over 10 million of refugees. I ask the auction houses to respond and put up for auction this world-famous award. "

Furthermore, the piece stated that five things needed to be done right away: "Stop combat fire, exchange prisoners, release the bodies of the dead, provide humanitarian corridors and assistance, and support refugees."

Muratov was awarded the Novel Prize jointly with Marisa Ressa of the Philippine online news website Rappler.

They were given the huge honour for their efforts in safeguarding freedom of expression, democracy and lasting peace.

In particular, Dimitry Muratov's continued efforts to expose Vladimir Putin's corruption and misrule while braving the wrath of the ruler, saw him awarded the prize.

Muratov had dedicated his award to Russian journalists who had been murdered by the Kremlin in connection to their work.

After winning the award he spoke to reporters outside the newsroom saying: "It's for Igor Domnikov, it's for Yuri Shchekochikhin, it's for Anna Stepanovna Politkovskaya, it's for Nastya Baburova, it's for Natalia Estemirova, for Stas Markelov.

"It is that of those who died defending the right of people to freedom of speech."