In a written statement made by the foundation, “The invitation of the ambassadors of the said countries to the award ceremony to be held in Sweden’s capital Stockholm caused reactions. Taking note of these reactions, we will implement the protocol in 2022 by withdrawing the invitations of Russia, Belarus and Iran.”
The Nobel Foundation decided to invite Russia, Belarus and Iran to the Nobel Prize Ceremony, which will be held on December 10, on August 31.
This decision caused harsh reactions from the government, the opposition and the royal family.
Reactions were quick
According to the news of the Swedish official news agency TT, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, “The Nobel Foundation naturally decides who to invite, but like many others, I was very surprised that Russia was invited. This invitation was sent to Sweden and Ukraine. I understand that it upsets a lot of people,” he said.
Swedish King Carl 16. Gustaf said that he was very surprised by the decision and that he was reconsidering his decision to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony.
Center Party (C) leader Muharrem Demirok and Left Party (V) leader Nooshi Dadgostar also announced that they would not attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony because Russia was invited.
Swedish Liberal Party MP Karin Karlsbro accused the Nobel Foundation of “setting a dangerous precedent by giving the green light to invite Russia to a glamorous party while missiles fall on cultural centers in Ukraine and children die.”
Russia and Belarus were not invited to the awards ceremony last year, on the grounds of “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine” and Iran on the grounds of “criticism of human rights violations in the country”.