On 13 October, the last evening of the 2023 edition of Democracy Week, the Geneva Graduate Institute, the Kofi Annan Foundation and the Freedom Cartoonists Foundation hosted a screening of the documentary “The Price of Truth” about the life of Dmitry Muratov in front of a packed auditorium and Muratov himself.

Russian journalist, television presenter, and the editor-in-chief of the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, Muratov was awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Maria Ressa for “their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace”. And, on 1 September 2023, Muratov was declared by the Russian authorities to be a “foreign agent”. 

The co-sponsors of the event delivered institutional welcomes. Andrew Clapham, Professor of International Law, Geneva Graduate Institute, reminded that the event was part of the 2023 Democracy Week programme and organized by the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy. Corinne Momal-Vanian, Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation, noted that while there is a “retreat of democracy” worldwide, many are still willing to stand up for it. Patrick Chappatte, President, Freedom Cartoonists Foundation, thanked Dmitry Muratov for being a “voice of conscience” in this world. Antonio Hodgers, President of the State Council, Republic and State of Geneva, said democracy must be protected globally as well as in Switzerland where democracy must also be “nurtured”.

The documentary screening was followed by a standing ovation from the public and a panel discussion with Muratov and Patrick Forbes, the film director. Watch it below.