Dmitry Muratov is a prominent Russian journalist and a steadfast advocate for an independent press, renowned for his fearless investigations into abuses of power. He served as the editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta from February 1995 until the publication's suspension in 2022, leading the newspaper in its courageous reporting on sensitive topics including governmental corruption, human rights violations, electoral fraud, and police violence.
A seasoned correspondent, Muratov has reported from war zones such as Afghanistan, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Chechnya, showcasing his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth in the most challenging environments. His courageous journalism has earned him numerous professional awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, the Order of the Legion of Honor, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Four Freedoms Medal.
Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Muratov is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has served as a trustee of the charity fund "Gift of Life" for twenty years, actively contributing to various humanitarian efforts. In March 2022, he announced an auction of his Nobel medal to benefit refugee children from Ukraine.
Despite his significant contributions to journalism and philanthropy, Muratov faced increasing repression in his home country. On September 1, 2023, he was included in the list of foreign agents, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by independent media and advocates in Russia. Through his work and advocacy, Dmitry Muratov continues to exemplify courage and commitment to truth and justice in the face of adversity.
Vladimir Ashurkov is a Russian opposition politician currently living in London. In 2011, he and Alexey Navalny, the most prominent figure in Russian opposition movement, established the non-profit Anti-Corruption Foundation, of which Mr. Ashurkov became the Executive Director. In 2014, as a result of politically motivated criminal persecution by Russian authorities, Mr. Ashurkov moved to London, receiving political asylum in 2015.
Prior to pursuing civil and political activities, Mr. Ashurkov worked in finance and investments. He served as the Director of Group Portfolio Management and Control at Alfa Group Consortium, one of the largest Russian investment groups, between 2006-2012. Before joining Alfa Group, he worked in various positions within investment banking and transportation industries. Mr. Ashurkov received his MBA from the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania. He also graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.
Russian lawyer, sociologist, specialist in election process organisation, and human rights activist.
Sergei Davidis is head of the Political Prisoners Support Programme and a member of the board at Memorial Human Rights Centre in Moscow. Memorial was founded in the former Soviet Union in 1987. Its initiators included the 1975 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov. The organisation documented the victims of the crimes committed during the Stalinist era. For many years Sergei Davidis has been responsible for compiling the lists of Russian political prisoners published by Memorial Human Rights Centre. He is an active participant and organizer of national and international advocacy for political prisoners.