'2024 EU Investigative Journalism Awards' find their winners

The “European Union Investigative Journalism Awards,” organized by the Journalists' Association and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), were presented at a ceremony held at the Journalists' Association. At the ceremony, held within the scope of the “Strengthening the Quality of News and Independent Journalism in the Western Balkans and Turkey Project,” national awards were presented to journalists Asuman Aranca Kol, Murat Ağırel, Hale Gönültaş, Thalys Alcantara, Tunca Öğreten, and Murat Baykara, while regional awards were presented to Ksenija Pavkov, Saša Dragojlo, Vanja Stokic, and Ajdin Kamber.

Many foreign mission representatives and journalists attended the ceremony, where awards were presented at the national and regional levels to promote and encourage the most successful investigative journalism reports.

The Turkey National Jury, which evaluated the most impactful reports of the year in collaboration with the Journalists' Association, the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, and Thomson Media, included Media Ombudsman Faruk Bildirici and journalists Çiğdem Toker and Tülay Ünal Öçten this year. The Regional Jury consisted of journalists Drago Hedl, Dunja Mijatovic, and Can Ertuna.

Journalists' Association Vice President Ayhan Aydemir

Aydemir: Investigative journalism is not a profession, it is a life

Representing Journalists' Association President Nazmi Bilgin, Vice President Ayhan Aydemir delivered the opening speech of the ceremony and emphasized that they were honored to host the organization under the Association's roof. Starting his words by commemorating the citizens who lost their lives in the terrorist attack that took place the previous day, Aydemir said, “As the Journalists' Association, we condemn all forms of terrorism. We have always stood against terrorism; we have defended peace, freedom, and justice without compromise, and we will continue to do so.”

Highlighting the importance of investigative journalism for the profession, Aydemir stated, “I congratulate my esteemed colleagues who have dedicated their lives to researching and uncovering the truth, and I wish them continued success in their valuable work.”

“Freedom of the press and expression is the cornerstone of a democratic society”

Emphasizing that the “Agent of Influence” regulation, which passed in Parliament on Wednesday despite all objections and reactions from the public, would create great pressure on freedom of expression and poses a great danger to journalists, Aydemir said, “Freedom of the press and expression is the cornerstone of a democratic society. A step that shakes this will come at a great cost to society and future generations.

The agent of influence regulation on the parliamentary agenda poses a great threat to journalists. The addition of the concept of ‘agent of influence’ to the penal code with this regulation, and its inclusion of vague expressions such as ‘against internal and external political interests,’ ‘foreign organization,’ and ‘war activity,’ creates pressure on all kinds of journalistic activities and freedom of expression. It violates the public's right to receive information and express themselves. We want this mistake to be reversed.

As the Media Solidarity Group, of which we are a part, we want to reiterate our call here; we want to emphasize that we need to expand freedom of the press and expression against oppression, terrorism, and violence, and that we will continue our struggle on this path.”

Following this, opening speeches were delivered by BIRN Hub Project Manager Marija Vasilevska and Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski.

BIRN Hub Project Manager Marija Vasilevska

Vasilevska: “We will continue to support journalism”

Stating that the project aims to develop an ecosystem to strengthen media in the Western Balkans and Turkey, Vasilevska said, “Together with our partners, we are working to increase the capacity of journalists, mainstream media outlets, and public broadcasters, to reward the best investigative stories in the countries, to give awards to the best regional stories, and to make training investments for the investigative journalists of the future.

Investigative journalism is a priority area for BIRN, and we believe that by rewarding the best investigative stories, we contribute to building a better society. We hope that these awards and the ‘Strengthening Quality News and Independent Journalism in the Western Balkans and Turkey’ project will encourage closer cooperation and more cross-border reporting between the Western Balkans and Turkey.” She also stated that they would continue to support journalism and maintain their partnership with Turkey.

Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski

Ossowski: A free press is essential for democracy

In his speech, Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, emphasized that investigative journalists are people who research in depth, ask difficult questions, and shed light on important stories, saying, “Investigative journalism plays a critical role in a democratic society by focusing on uncovering the truth, holding power accountable, and informing the public.

The stories told by investigative journalists expose corruption, defend the rights of those whose voices are not heard, and challenge the status quo. We are grateful for this courage, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the truth, and we honor you tonight. Journalism is a watchdog that has taken on the task of providing information to society, shaping perceptions, and auditing power. When journalists audit power, they contribute to transparency. A free press is essential for democracy.

While fulfilling its responsibilities to society, journalism must adhere to the highest standards and strive to be fair in order to maintain public trust. This is not easy in the face of many challenges, especially as social media leads to the rapid spread of misinformation and makes fact-checking mandatory.

Congratulations to the winners. Your work is not only inspiring but also a reminder that the truth still matters and that the pursuit of justice is one of the most powerful forces for good.”

The first part of the National Award ceremony was moderated by journalist Gökçen Çamlıyurt. Çamlıyurt provided detailed information about the Investigative Journalism Awards and the training camp organized for Young Investigative Journalists. Çamlıyurt said, “With the EU Investigative Journalism Awards, we aim to make visible, reward, and support journalists who continue the journalistic profession against all kinds of difficulties, pressure, and stress, and who bring valuable information to light, as well as the investigative reports they produce.” Then, the award presentation began.

The first prize went to Asuman Aranca Kol

In the National Award category, the first prize went to Asuman Aranca Kol for her report, “T24 Reaches the Expert Report in the Sinan Ateş Murder File: The Head of the Idealist Hearths Requested Ateş's Address.” The award was presented by the Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski.

Kol: I dedicate my award to the murdered women and children

In her acceptance speech, Kol said, “I am very happy that this report fulfilled the duty of public oversight. We are in an environment where very bad things are happening. Unfortunately, we are in a time when we have lost our hope. I accept this award to show that we are in solidarity, and I dedicate it to the families who have left their children behind, and to the murdered women and children.”

Ağırel: I thank my colleagues who ensure the public's right to receive information

The second prize went to Murat Ağırel for his report, “Kızılay Sold Tents to AHBAP During the Earthquake Rush.” Ağırel, who received his award from Journalists' Association Vice President Ayhan Aydemir, said in his acceptance speech, “I would like to thank my colleagues who ensure the public's right to receive information. This was the only report in my professional life that I prayed would not turn out to be true. I hope we never have to do such reports again. Nevertheless, we will continue to report at all times and under all conditions.”

The third prize went to Hale Gönültaş and Thalys Alcantara for their report, “Süleymancılar Brought Children from the Amazon Forests in Brazil to Turkey,” and BIRN Hub Project Manager Marija Vasilevska presented their awards to lawyer Nuray Özdoğan as the journalists were abroad. The journalists' acceptance speeches were projected on the screen.

“Journalism is not a crime”

Hale Gönültaş conveyed the message, “We can become targets because of the reports we do. Even if journalism is seen as a crime in Turkey, we will continue to practice journalism wherever we are. Journalism is not a crime,” while journalist Alcantara expressed that he was honored to receive the award and said, “Our goal is the protection of youth and children.”

The jury special award went to Tunca Öğreten and Murat Baykara for their report, “The Meth Deadlock.” The journalists received their awards from Faruk Bildirici and Tülay Öçten.

The regional award ceremony, held in Turkey for the first time this year, was hosted by Sanja Lazic from the Thomson Foundation.

Offering her congratulations to the Journalists' Association and all the journalists who won last year's best investigative journalism awards, Lazic said, “It is encouraging to see that many different stories and topics are being covered despite the difficulties journalists face.

The purpose of these regional awards, which were given for the first time last year, is to recognize and celebrate the best aspects of journalism, especially cooperation among journalists in the region. Unlike national awards, these awards emphasize stories that have a regional impact.

This year, we received a total of 67 stories from the Western Balkans and Turkey, and 31 stories made it to the shortlist. These stories were evaluated by a regional jury according to specific criteria. This jury, composed of experts in the field of media and journalism, helped us choose the best of the best with their knowledge, experience, and integrity.”

Journalist Can Ertuna

The Regional Awards were presented by journalist Can Ertuna to Ksenija Pavkov for the report “Beneath the Surface: Inside the Network,” to Saša Dragojlo for the report “Kalashnikov Model AK-47s Supplied by Albanians Increase Violence on the Refugee Route Passing Through Serbia,” and to Vanja Stokic and Ajdin Kamber for the documentary “Ambiguous Losses.”

The EU Investigative Journalism Awards, which have been given since 2019 to encourage investigative journalism and reward successful examples of investigative journalism that enlighten the public on issues such as freedom of expression, rule of law, abuse of power, violation of fundamental rights, corruption, and organized crime, were won last year by journalists Murat Ağırel for “Turkey in the Grip of Drugs,” Doğu Eroğlu for “BTK-gate with Documents,” and Çiğdem Toker for “The Millet Garden Operation at Atatürk Airport.”

News Source: 12punto