Vladimir Karaj has been an editor at BIRN Albania (Reporter.al) since June 2017. Before starting at BIRN, he worked since 2002 for various media outlets as a journalist and editor.
Vladimir also had a stint as the editor-in-chief of a small newspaper. He mainly writes reportages and in-depth stories, predominantly concerning crime and politics. Some stories have marked him, and there are some he sometimes wishes he hadn’t covered because of the scars they left. Despite that, he can’t imagine doing anything else with the same passion and persistence. Recently, he won an EU Award for Investigative Journalism (first prize).
Let’s meet him!
- Together with Anesti Barjamemaj, you won the EU Investigative Journalism Awards – first prize for your investigation into environmental crime at the Sharra landfill, exposing toxic waste discharges into the Erzen river. What was working on this investigation like and what were the main obstacles?
How did it all start? Hours of reading official documents, which are typically dull and, more often than not, hold little value for the public. This is a routine part of our work at BIRN. After requesting hundreds of inspection documents from regional offices of the National Environment Agency through FOI requests, we combed through them in search of stories. One of these documents contained details of an inspection conducted at the landfill – a controversial topic in Albania, investigated for years by the Special Prosecution Office. From here, Anesti and I spoke to connected individuals and tried to understand what happened after the inspection and the impact of pollution on the river. The main obstacles in such reporting were the lack of willingness by the authorities to engage or inform the public. For documents that by law should be provided within seven working days, we faced bureaucracy and months of delays.
- What does a working day at BIRN Albania look like?
Being part of a small editorial team with colleagues who share the same goals and values is deeply rewarding. We work closely together, fostering a sense of mutual support and shared purpose that is rare in larger newsrooms. The day is filled with discussions, phone calls and hours spent poring over documents and data, all while piecing together stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
There’s a profound sense of purpose in being part of BIRN in Albania. We know that our work has a tangible impact, both in terms of public awareness and the respect we’ve earned among our readers. The stories we cover are meaningful and frequently provoke public reactions, which reminds us that journalism, even in a small team, can inspire change. It’s this impact, combined with the dedication of the team, that makes the long hours and meticulous work truly fulfilling.
- You mainly write reportages and in-depth stories, predominantly concerning crime and politics. Why do you prefer these topics?
It’s not so much a preference as a reality that crime and politics play significant roles in a country like Albania. Both have a deep and pervasive impact on nearly every sector of society, from education and healthcare to environmental issues. Even when you look outside these areas, you often uncover traces of abuse or political negligence because corruption and organised crime are embedded in the very structure of governance and business. This influence seeps into every corner of life, affecting public trust and shaping everyday experiences in ways that are sometimes subtle and other times strikingly overt.
Writing about sports, for example, can easily reveal connections to organised crime and political influence, with cases of match-fixing, money laundering, and favouritism reflecting a broader, ingrained culture of corruption. In countries with high levels of corruption, crime and politics are inescapable – not merely topics of interest but integral forces that shape the economy, social relationships, and the opportunities available to ordinary people. This reality compels journalists like me to focus on these areas, not only to expose the wrongdoings but to help the public understand how deeply rooted these forces are and to bring about some level of accountability.
- What would you change if you had a chance to start your career from scratch?
I decided to become a journalist at 17, inspired by a romanticized view of the travel writer, imagining myself uncovering hidden stories. At that age, I saw journalism as a path to adventure, a way to explore unknown places and ideas while sharing them with others. If I were starting over, I’d probably be more rational, choosing this career but with a better understanding of the hard realities it entails – the long hours, the bureaucratic roadblocks, the ethical dilemmas. But even with that more practical view, I don’t think I’d choose a different path.
Over the years, I’ve encountered many stories that, if I had the experience I do now, might have been published and even had an impact. At the beginning of my career, there were investigations that stalled because I wasn’t yet equipped to navigate certain challenges or push back against the roadblocks in my way.
- Was there any moment in your career when you thought you should change job to some ‘safer’ profession?
Of course, but not for something safer – I’ve never sought security. There’s a certain drive in journalism that pulls you in, despite the risks and uncertainties. However, there have been moments in my career when I questioned this path, especially after covering events that reveal the darkest sides of humanity. As journalists, we often witness tragedy firsthand and confront raw despair and suffering. These experiences stay with you long after the story is published, leaving an emotional impact that’s hard to shake. There are stories that have marked me, ones I sometimes wish I hadn’t covered because they left scars, moments that haunt you because of the pain and loss they bring into focus.
But despite the moments of doubt, I can’t imagine doing anything else with the same passion and persistence. Journalism has a purpose that’s hard to find elsewhere, and it’s that sense of purpose that keeps me going, even when the job takes an emotional toll.
- What would be your message to young aspiring investigative journalists in the Western Balkans region?
It’s hard to encourage someone to choose a job that demands sacrifice and often brings criticism rather than rewards. Journalism can be isolating and challenging, requiring resilience and courage. But the most inspiring message for young journalists comes from seeing impactful work done by those who’ve walked the same path. Knowing others have faced these challenges and still made a difference proves that this work, though difficult, is essential. The reward lies in knowing their efforts contribute to something bigger, inspiring others to keep telling stories that matter.
