Three years later, the household of his co-recipient, Francis Crick, obtained $2.27 million in bidding additionally run by Heritage Auctions.
Muratov, who was awarded the gold medal in October 2021, helped discovered the impartial Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and was the publication’s editor-in-chief when it shut down in March amid the Kremlin’s clampdown on journalists and public dissent within the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
It was Muratov’s concept to public sale off his prize, having already introduced he was donating the accompanying $500,000 money award to charity. The concept of the donation, he stated, “is to give the children refugees a chance for a future.”
Muratov has stated the proceeds will go on to UNICEF in its efforts to assist youngsters displaced by the struggle in Ukraine.
Melted down, the 175 grams of 23-karat gold contained in Muratov’s medal could be value about $10,000.
In an interview with The Associated Press earlier than the public sale, Muratov stated he was notably involved about youngsters who’ve been orphaned due to the battle in Ukraine.
“We want to return their future,” he stated.
He added that it’s vital worldwide sanctions levied in opposition to Russia don’t forestall humanitarian support, corresponding to drugs for uncommon ailments and bone marrow transplants, from reaching these in want.
“It has to become a beginning of a flash mob as an example to follow so people auction their valuable possessions to help Ukrainians,” Muratov stated in a video launched by Heritage Auctions, which dealt with the sale however just isn’t taking any share of the proceeds.
Muratov shared the Nobel Peace Prize final 12 months with journalist Maria Ressa of the Philippines.
The two journalists, who every obtained their very own medals, were honored for their battles to preserve free speech of their respective international locations, regardless of coming beneath assault by harassment, their governments and even demise threats.
Muratov has been extremely important of Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the war launched in February that has brought on almost 5 million Ukrainians to flee to different international locations for security, creating the most important humanitarian disaster in Europe since World War II.
Independent journalists in Russia have come beneath scrutiny by the Kremlin, if not outright targets of the federal government. Since Putin got here into energy greater than 20 years in the past, almost two dozen journalists have been killed, together with at least 4 who had labored for Muratov’s newspaper.
In April, Muratov stated he was attacked with red paint whereas aboard a Russian prepare.
Muratov left Russia for Western Europe on Thursday to start his journey to New York City, the place stay bidding started Monday night.
Online bids started June 1 to coincide with the International Children’s Day observance.
Early Monday, the excessive bid had been solely $550,000. The buy value had been anticipated to spiral upward, however maybe not over $100 million.
“It’s a very bespoke deal,” stated Joshua Benesh, the chief technique officer for Heritage Auctions. “Not everyone in the world has a Nobel Prize to auction and not every day of the week that there’s a Nobel Prize crossing the auction block.”
Since its inception in 1901, there have been almost 1,000 recipients of the Nobel Prizes honoring achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or drugs, literature and the development of peace.
The ongoing struggle and worldwide humanitarian efforts to alleviate the struggling of these affected in Ukraine are certain to stoke curiosity, Benesh stated, including it’s onerous to foretell how a lot somebody could be prepared to pay for the medal.
“I think there’s certainly going to be some excitement Monday,” Benesh stated. “It’s it’s such a unique item being sold under unique circumstances … a significant act of generosity, and such a significant humanitarian crisis.”
Muratov and Heritage officers stated even these out of the bidding can nonetheless assist by donating directly to UNICEF.
