Moskow: Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov auctioned his Nobel Peace Prize on Monday night. Muratov will give the proceeds from the auction directly to UNICEF to help children displaced by the war in Ukraine. Muratov, who was awarded the gold medal in October 2021, founded the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazette and was its chief editor when the paper closed in March. The newspaper was closed due to suppression of public discontent in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Russian crackdowns on journalists.
Muratov has announced a donation of $500,000 in cash from the auction of the prize to a charity. He said the purpose of the charity is to “give refugee children a chance for a future.” “We want to return their future,” Muratov said in a video released by Heritage Auctions, adding that it is important that international sanctions against Russia allow drugs used to treat rare diseases and humanitarian aid such as bone marrow transplants to reach the needy. Don’t stop arriving.
Heritage Auctions, which conducts the auction process, is not participating in the proceeds. Muratov was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year jointly with Philippine journalist Maria Resa. They were honored for their struggles to maintain free expression in their respective countries. Muratov has been a strong critic of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and waging war against Ukraine.
