By Alexander Smith -
NBC News
Dissident journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their fight in defense of freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia.
The award was awarded for their "efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace," argued the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
[A Tanzanian novelist wins the Nobel Prize in Literature for his description of colonialism in Africa]
The Nobel Committee awards the award to the individual or group that "has worked more or better for the fraternity between nations."
Last year the award went to the United Nations World Food Program for its efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity around the world.
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Past winners include activist Malala Yousafzai, killed by the Pakistani Taliban, South African anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr., for their peaceful campaign against racism.
Four former US presidents have also won the award: Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
In addition to worldwide prestige and attention, the award is endowed with SEK 10 million (more than $ 1.14 million) in cash and a gold medal.
[Two American scientists win the Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering temperature and touch receptors]
This week the Nobel prizes in Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry and Literature have already been awarded.
The Nobel Prize in Economics will be awarded on Monday.
But the decisions of the secretive Nobel Committee do not always guarantee a life of international acclaim.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for ending a 20-year stalemate with neighboring Eritrea.
However, his reputation has since been tarnished by his role in the conflict and the deadly blockade of Ethiopia's northern Tigray region.