Russian authorities on Friday designated Nobel Prize-winning journalist Dmitry Muratov as a “foreign agent,” a move often aimed at critics of Kremlin policies.
I’m still angry at the Nobel Prize committee for inviting Russia to this year’s ceremony and giving an ego boost to Russian imperialism.
They have rescinded the invitation now.
Iran, Belarus and Russia are no longer invited.
The decision by the Nobel Foundation to invite all ambassadors to the Nobel Prize award ceremony, in accordance with previous practice, has provoked strong reactions.
The basis for the decision is that we believe that it is important and right to reach out as widely as possible with the values and messages that the Nobel Prize stands for – for example, through last year’s clear political message with the peace prize awarded to human rights fighters from Russia and Belarus as well as to Ukrainians who work with documenting Russian war crimes.
We recognize the strong reactions in Sweden, which completely overshadowed this message. The board of the Nobel Foundation, therefore, choose to repeat last year’s exception to regular practice – that is, to not invite the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus and Iran to the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm. As before, all ambassadors will be invited to the ceremony in Oslo.
We recognize the strong reactions in Sweden, which completely overshadowed this message.
Their pandering to Putin got called out and to coverup they’re blaming people for reacting negatively. Its the “I’m sorry your feelings are hurt” non-apology
Maybe. It’s weird because they want Russia represented due to human rights activists there could eligible for recognition, but these activists would almost certainly always be working against the government and therefore inviting ambassadors, who are government representatives, feels like a really odd decision.
I agree, and at the same time think it was ridiculous to give Obama the Peace Prize as well
Oh, absolutely. Here’s the peace prize for droppibg bombs, killing civilians, and making the world more violent. WTF was that. and Obama accepted it, because he has zero integrity.
He received it 9 months into his term. Some argue that it was not for his achievements up until that point, but for the hope that it would be different than Bush’s
I know millions of Ethiopians who would question the Nobel high grounds. They awarded a Nobel Peace Prize to a politician (former intelligence officer) who has gone ahead to oversee military assault on civilians in many parts of the country especially Amhara, Oromo, and Tigray regions.
This is not to discount your point but to bring more data on the conversation on why the idea of “Nobel Prize” doesn’t necessarily ring positive things in different parts of the world.
And Nobel committee issuing a statement on the controversy: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2019/statement/
True. Also Aung San Suu Kyi who after being awarded the Peace Prize went on to support Myanmar’s military for their genocide of Rohingyas in Rakhine and persecution of journalists. She actually appeared in the ICJ to defend their crimes against humanity.
Has her Nobel prize been revoked? I know most of the honours heaped on her were taken back, including the Elie Wiesel Award by the US Holocaust memorial.
There is that too. Same with Obama. Let’s just say most politicians are not worthy candidates for the shared meaning of peace and global admiration of those who work towards peace.
Regarding revocation, no, the Committee does not revoke awards as they claim these awards reflect the moment they are given.
