Bosnian journalists Semira Degirmendzic, Predrag Blagovcanin, Lamija Grebo, Dzana Brkanic and Arduana Pribinja have been declared the winners of the 2023 European Union Awards for Investigative Journalism in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The awards were presented by Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU's special representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Johann Sattler.

“The commitment of journalists to exposing wrongdoing and holding the strongmen accountable is impressive and worthy of admiration and respect. Citizens have the right to know if public funds are being spent inappropriately or if companies and institutions are engaged in actions that threaten their security. Professional journalism, in an environment without fear and intimidation, is necessary for any healthy democratic society. My congratulations to the editors who continue to support investigative work, but also to the journalists who work on these stories with courage, dedication and persistence,” ambassador Sattler was quoted as saying in a press release issued by organiser Thomson Media.

Thomson Media general manager David Quin pointed out that investigative journalism maintains democracy, adding that it means searching for the truth and that what was presented in this event are sustainable, responsible and transparent stories that demonstrate the best examples of free media.

The EU Award for Investigative Journalism recognises outstanding achievements in contributing to freedom of expression, the rule of law and transparency in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Journalist Semira Degirmendzic won the first award of the European Union for investigative journalism in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in competition with more than 50 investigative stories. Lejla Turcilo, representing the expert jury, explored the reasons for choosing the story about the illegal activities of the Turkish company Çengiz as the best, emphasising that the author demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism and knowledge, both about the specific topic and about investigative journalism.

“It is a thoroughly researched story in which all clues and sources were carefully followed and used and in which a legitimate effort was made to reach all actors and interested parties and to present their points of view,” said Turcilo.

Second place was shared by Tacno.net journalist Predrag Blagovcanin with the story of how the BiH Ministry of Defense protected a war criminal and BIRN BiH journalists Dzana Brkanic as well as Lamija Grebo with a story about suspended sentences that act non-preventively for hate crimes.

Al Jazeera Balkans journalist, Arduana Pribinja, won third place for the story about misuse of prescriptions by public healthcare patients in Sarajevo Canton (Part I and Part II).

The decision on the winners in Bosnia and Herzegovina was made by members of the jury consisting of: Lejla Turcilo, Tanja Topic and Lamija Aleckovic.