The Nobel Foundation has reversed its decision to invite the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus, and Iran to the Nobel Prize awards ceremony in Stockholm this year, following widespread criticism of the initial announcement.
Last year, the foundation excluded the ambassadors of Russia and Belarus due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. However, on Thursday, the foundation had declared its intent to invite them, along with Iran’s ambassador, to this year’s prize award ceremonies in December, stating a desire to include even those who did not align with the values of the Nobel Prize.
This move drew strong reactions from the leaders of several Swedish political parties, who announced their intention to boycott the ceremonies in protest.
In response to the mounting concerns, the Nobel Foundation issued a statement on Saturday, acknowledging the outcry in Sweden. As a result, they have decided to maintain the exception made last year, which means not inviting the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus, and Iran to the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm.
The Nobel laureates for the year will be announced in early October, and five of the six Nobel prizes are traditionally awarded in Stockholm each year. The Nobel Peace Prize is presented in Oslo, where separate festivities take place.
