Two journalists whose work has angered the authorities in Russia and the Philippines won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for their respective fights to preserve free speech, which the award-giving committee described as under threat around the globe.

Journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia were recognized "for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.

The pair "are receiving the Peace Prize for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia," the Nobel committee said in a news release. "At the same time, they are representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions."