The darkest of times gives birth to a messiah that lights the path towards liberation. Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov is one such man. Muratov is a well-known figure in global journalism. He is a Russian journalist and TV Presenter. Muratov is also the editor-in-chief for Novaya Gazeta, a Russian newspaper.
A true blue journalist, Muratova has always strived to bring to the front the truth. His contributions to journalism and philanthropy are such that he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (2021) with Maria Ressa for their efforts in safeguarding freedom of expression, which was a primary precursor to democracy. Despite being a Russian citizen, Muratov has been critical of the mistakes of his country’s governance.
He has yet again proven his mettle to help those in need by auctioning off his Nobel Prize medal for a jaw-dropping amount of $103.5 million, the proceeds for which will be completely donated to helping war-affected families in Ukraine, specifically children.
What was Dmitry Muratov’s early life like?
Dmitry Muratov was born on 29th October 1961 in Kuybyshev, RSFSR, former Soviet Union. He was a student at the Faculty of Philology at Kuibyshev (presently Samara) State University. During his 5 years of study, Muratov discovered his inkling towards journalism. He pursued his interest in journalism from the time he was in college and had already contacted local newspapers where he worked part-time as a journalist. After he graduated from university, Muratov was enlisted to serve as a communication equipment security specialist in the Soviet Army.
What marked the start of Muratov’s career and how did it progress?
After his stint in the army, Muratov started working as a correspondent for a newspaper called VolzhskyKomsomolets in 1987. His skills had won over his superiors, who were so impressed by his work that shortly after the commencement of a year’s work Muratov was promoted to be head of the Komsomolskaya Pravda youth department. Later on, Muratov was promoted to the position of editor of news articles. In 1992 he left Komsomolskaya Pravda to start a new inning.
1993 marked the beginning of something special for Muratov’s journalistic career when he co-founded Novaya Gazeta which was meant to be a pro-democracy newspaper. He did so in collaboration with several journalists. He was a deputy editor for the newly created Novaya Gazeta. Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev helped this endeavor by funding office supplies and salaries from the prize money he received with the Nobel Prize.
Muratov’s areas of specialization were reporting human rights abuse, abuse of power, police violence and accounts of corruption by the government such as electoral fraud. Muratov was a war zone correspondent during the 1st Chechen War from December 1994 to January 1995. He became the editor-in-chief in 1995.
As a staunch advocate for democracy and press freedom, he Muratov advocated for press freedom. He published articles by Anna Politkovskaya (later assassinated) scrutinizing the Putin administration. The Committee to Protect Journalists had stated that the Novaya Gazeta was the single most critical newspaper in Russia with national influence even today. Muratov stepped down from his position as editor-in-chief in 2017 to return in 2019 after the staff voted for his return.
What were the difficulties Muratov has had to face while running the newspaper?
The cost of truth is high in an oppressive regiment. Muratov and his journalists have often been attacked and their lives threatened due to their critical work on the government. 6 of Novaya Gazeta’s journalists had been assassinated to cover up some devastating truths in relation to the government.
Meanwhile, Muratov himself was attacked during a train journey in 2022 and painted red to symbolize support for Russian troops. US intelligence deciphered it to be the work of Russian intelligence. As of 28th March 2022, the newspaper announced the suspension of its online and print activities following a second warning from Roskomnadzor, a Russian federal agency responsible for censoring and controlling Russian mass media
What are the accolades awarded to Muratov?
Muratov is a highly decorated journalist having won several awards including the CPJ International Press Freedom Award (2007), Legion of Honour by the French Government (2010), Four Freedoms Award (2010), the Golden Pen of Freedom Award (2016), and finally the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021.
What is Dmitry Muratov’s estimated earnings and acquisitions?
With decades of his involvement in journalism, Muratov has been able to make a substantial earnings most of which he has used to either further humanitarian or journalistic causes. While his earnings are not disclosed, he was handed over 4 printing houses belonging to Norwegian media group Amedia after the company ceased operations in Russia in 2022. The estimated worth of the printing house is 4 million Euros. He has also auctioned his Nobel Prize medal for $103.5 Million to help war-afflicted families in Ukraine.