Nobel Foundation cancels Russia, Belarus, Iran invites to annual prize awards

In a reversal of an earlier decision, the Nobel Foundation announced on Saturday that it will not invite the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus, and Iran to attend the Nobel Prize awards ceremony in Stockholm this year. Last year, the foundation had left out the ambassadors of Russia and Belarus due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. However, on Thursday, the foundation stated that it would invite them, along with Iran’s ambassador, to this year’s prize award ceremonies, claiming its intention to include even those who do not share the values of the Nobel Prize.

Nevertheless, the announcement sparked widespread criticism, leading to the leaders of several Swedish political parties expressing their intention to boycott the ceremonies. In response to the strong reactions in Sweden, the foundation released a statement on Saturday repeating last year’s exception to regular practice; therefore, the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus, and Iran will not be invited to the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm.

The Nobel Prize winners are usually announced in early October, and five of the six Nobel prizes are awarded in Stockholm each year. The nomination process for the awards remains confidential for the next 50 years. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded separately in Oslo, where distinct festivities are held.

Reporting by Simon Johnson; Editing by Frances Kerry