Nobel Foundation reverses ban on Russia, Belarus, Iran and far-right leader

The foundation that administers the prestigious Nobel awards has reversed its invitation policy and invited Russia, Belarus and Iran, and all members of the Swedish parliament, including a far-right party leader (Pool via AP)

The Nobel Foundation has reversed its invitation policy and invited Russia, Belarus and Iran, as well as the leader of a far-right Swedish party, who had previously been banned.

Vidar Helgesen, the executive director of the private foundation which issues the prestigious Nobel prizes, said there was a global trend in which “dialogue between those with differing views is being reduced”.