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Vulnerable Groups Bear Brunt of Digital Rights Violations in Balkans, Conference Hears

At BIRN’s Digital Rights Annual Conference in Tirana, speakers highlighted that women and LGBTQ+ groups are often the chief victims as new technologies and bad laws worsen violations in South East Europe.

Media representatives and civil society and international organisations told BIRN’s Digital Rights Annual Conference in Tirana, Albania, that worsening digital rights violations in the Balkans were having “profound effects” on people’s lives.

“The report shows that digital rights violations have profound effects on everyday lives, only amplifying already existing human rights issues and barriers. While compiling it, we have attempted to paint the current picture but also to forecast future trends,” Ena Bavcic, BIRN’s Digital Rights Research Lead said.

Despite the challenges, Bavcic said there is still hope for a safe internet.

“Challenges are numerous but there is some hope and we hope this report will be used to cast light on steps that need to be taken to improve online safety for everyone,” Bavcic said, referencing BIRN’s Digital Rights Violations Annual Report 2023-2024, published on Wednesday.

Bavcic highlighted that the main digital rights violations in the region over the past year include disinformation, hate speech and cyber attacks. She also underlined the malicious use of AI.

“Most of the cases [in the report], such as computer fraud, phishing, manipulated videos impersonating others and other similar digital rights violations were ‘improved’ by AI. AI is here to stay,” Bavcic said.

She predicted that the malicious use of AI will preoccupy the digital agenda in the coming years, as it is used increasingly to target politicians, political opponents and journalists and to spread hate speech and disinformation. Deep-fake videos are increasingly used against girls, women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Speakers at the event highlighted legislative changes that have worsened digital rights violations.

“There is a lack of public debate and a lack of information about stakeholders [when making new laws] and so we wake up to a law that was passed at 5am by the majority in parliament. Women and the LGBTQ+ community are targeted specifically under these laws,” Gurkan Ozturan, Media Freedom Monitoring Officer at the European Centre for Press and Media Freedoms and Turkey Rapporteur for Freedom House, said.

Ozturan recalled various adverse legal changes in Turkey and recent plans to adopt a Russian-style law labelling foreign-funded organisations as “foreign agents”. Similar laws have either been introduced or proposed by lawmakers in Hungary and Bosnia’s Serb-dominated Republika Srpska entity.

Speakers and participants at the event stressed the serious effects of digital rights violations on vulnerable groups, such as girls, women and LGBTQ+ groups.

One of the speakers, Xheni Karaj, director of Albania’s Aleanca, an NGO advocating for LGBTQ+ people, has faced serious threats online due to her activism and media appearances. “We don’t realise the damage these messages impose on activists and a whole movement, when the whole country sees you as a ‘public enemy’ just because of misinformation,” Karaj said.

Karaj recalled getting death threats after a media appearance in which she spoke about the UK registering newborn babies on passports under Parent 1 and Parent 2, after which she said a similar system could be applied in Albania. However, the media twisted her statement and added a headline accusing Karaj of wanting to remove the traditional family from Albanian legislation entirely.

“Many media outlets … started to reproduce this news, magnifying the disinformation that this news represented. I wasn’t following the media at the time but I was receiving a lot of death threat messages on my social media without even knowing why,” Karaj added.

The Digital Rights Violations Annual Report 2023-2024 was co-funded by the European Union.

A day before the event, a documentary, Body of Shame, exploring the sexual abuse and harassment of women in Albania, was screened.

Broad Community Engagement is Key to Internet Governance in BiH

Engaging all stakeholders—including governmental and non-governmental organizations, academia, and the media—in the internet governance process is essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina to align its digital regulations with global standards, according to the first panel of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

In her introductory remarks at the IGF, Ingrid MacDonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in BiH, stressed the importance of the country joining the global discussion on internet governance as soon as possible, especially given that these efforts have been initiated by civil society in BiH.

MacDonald warned of the daily risks associated with the digital space, emphasizing the need to recognize these dangers and respond to them adequately. She pointed to disinformation as a serious concern that is threatening human rights and undermining democratic processes worldwide. As examples, she highlighted the targeting of medical professionals during the coronavirus pandemic and the unprecedented levels of misinformation observed during the war in Gaza.

She especially emphasized the need to protect human rights and bolster general security in the digital space, with particular attention to children and other vulnerable groups.

“The protection of children is something that is crucial for BiH as well, to ensure there is safety in the online space and that sexual predators, as well as all others who exploit children and their video content, are stopped,” MacDonald said.

She also referenced the Global Digital Compact, an international framework for the governance of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, which offers unprecedented solutions for safeguarding human rights worldwide.

Dunja Mijatovic, a human rights and new technologies expert, said that the internet is now connecting people like never before, necessitating new approaches to managing this tool effectively.

She emphasized that communities around the world are facing unique challenges in the digital world today, and that only a joint effort from citizens, institutions, and the private sector can contribute to regulating this area.

This is  especially crucial, she added, in BiH, where regulation is lacking and the authorities are not moving towards addressing this important issue. For her, the media thus has a critical role in connecting all societal groups in this process.

“In the context of internet governance, the media has three key roles: to promote responsibility, media literacy, and to clarify local and global perspectives. Although they are often not included in the discussion on governance, it is important for this to change in BiH, but also globally,” Mijatovic added.

Denis Dzidic, Executive Director of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) in BiH, and Darko Brkan, Executive Director of the organization ‘Why Not’, also stressed the growing importance of internet governance issues.  Yet, in BiH, these discussions do not include the whole community, which must change in order for the country to align with global trends and regulate its information space and digital services.

At the first IGF panel, Edin Forto, State Minister of Transport and Communications, said that there was no consensus in BiH on how to govern the internet in any sector, and that building this consensus is the first step that must be taken.

In terms of security, he recalled a cyberattack on the BiH Parliament, when the data was preserved purely by chance, emphasizing that the absence of cybersecurity protocols leaves the entire society vulnerable to threats.

“We could have one serious cyberattack that freezes all processes in our society, and we wouldn’t know how to respond to it,” Forto warned.While acknowledging the revival of efforts to establish a Computer Incident Response Team (CERT) in Bosnian institutions, he also noted that this process had stalled—an apt illustration of the country’s vulnerability to risk.

To resolve these issues, he advocates adopting a new law on electronic communications in accordance with European Union legislation, as well as implementing measures to ensure transparency in media ownership, as the media must be a key partner in designing legal and strategic frameworks for internet governance.

Anja Gengo,  Program Expert at the UN IGF Secretariat, discussed the ongoing process of digital transformation, highlighting the need to effectively manage digital technologies. For her, capacity development is one means of addressing the challenges of the technological revolution, and artificial intelligence is one of the most pressing topics in this conversation.

In the context of BiH, Gengo highlighted both the opportunities presented by technological development and the challenges facing countries in transition, like BiH, in the digitization of private and public services.

“The administration is at the greatest risk. In that sense, this is a call to learn from countries already dealing with these issues,” Gengo said, citing Estonia as a leader in this field.

From a judicial perspective, Arben Murtezic from the Center for Education of Judges and Prosecutors in the Federation of BiH identified many factors beyond regulations and the judiciary that affect internet governance, all of which require sufficient attention.

“This is an area where processes depend very little on the judiciary or even on the legal framework, but instead rely mostly on the general culture in society,” Murtezic added.

He believes that in establishing a framework for internet governance, there must be a focus on combating crime, particularly pertaining to the collection and use of digital evidence. While this evidence can provide a multitude of opportunities, it may also be of questionable credibility.

Fedja Kulenovic, information expert and assistant at the University of Sarajevo Faculty of Philosophy,  concluded the panel by  advocating for dialogue between various stakeholders in the internet governance process and the implementation of different regulations across sectors.

According to Kulenovic, information ethics and information literacy are critical in the conversation about regulating the digital space, and it is important to consider all sectors where capacities need to be strengthened. He argued that the academic community can contribute to this process by bridging the gap between the governmental and non-governmental sectors to ensure the standardization of certain practices as well as assist in infrastructure development and facilitate a better understanding of all concepts crucial for effective internet governance in BiH.

Spheres of Influence Conference Kicks Off in Samarkand

A conference about the growing geopolitical competition between three global players for influence in the Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asia opened on Thursday in Uzbekistan.

The two-day conference, organised by Uzbekistan’s Anhor.uz in collaboration with BIRN, n-ost from Germany and JAM News from Georgia, brings together journalists, researchers and experts from the Western Balkans, Caucasus and Central Asia.

N-ost’s Jakob Mardell, the editorial coordinator of the Spheres of Influence Uncovered project, said in his opening address that by “encouraging cross-border, data-driven research”, and by empowering collaboration among local journalists, the conference and the overall project aim to shed light on the increased competition in the Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asia between China, Russia and the EU.

The Spheres of Influence Uncovered project, of which this conference is a part, has been going on for two years already.

In the ancient city of Samarkand, one of the focal points along the route of the historic “silk road”, experts and researchers at the conference will discuss the current state of play, the flow of money, as well as the local economic, political and cultural impact from these geopolitical trends.

Several panels aim to cover the ways in which the three competing players aim to increase their soft power.

Journalists from the seven selected countries, Georgia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Tajikistan and the host country of Uzbekistan – who have been researching FDI flows, trade and green energy projects – will present the data they collected so far, introducing it as a valuable resource to the wider community.

They will also make connections and discuss potential future collaborations in producing further data-driven journalistic stories.

Speaking on the first day, BIRN’s former Head of Programmes, Aida Ajanovic, presented the collaborative initiative, spearheaded by BIRN, to build a database of EU, Russia and Chinese investments in the seven countries which are part of the project.

Underlying the importance of a database, which would greatly help the wider understanding and future research into this topic, Ajanovic said that despite the challenges in collecting the data base, “BIRN will remain committed to building and launching it” for a wider audience.

The Spheres of Influence Uncovered project, among other things, aims to identify Russian, Chinese and EU economic activities in Eurasia, expose their consequences and downsides and inform the general public about its findings.

As part of this effort, the participating journalists will continue to produce country-based and cross-border reports.

The project is funded by Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

BIRN Holds Workshops in Skopje on Media Resilience and AI in Western Balkans

On November 13 and 14 in Skopje, BIRN organised workshops on the wellbeing of journalists and on AI in media as part of the Western Balkans Media for Change project.

Daniel Fieller, Deputy Head of Mission at the British embassy in North Macedonia, opened the event  in Skopje on November 13, thanking the media outlets that the Western Balkans Media for Change project supports.

“You serve your societies by amplifying the voices of those unheard in the region,” he said, adding that BIRN has been his main source of information since living in the region and that it has been a privilege to work with organisations such as BIRN and Thomson.

Milka Domanovic, BIRN’s Regional Director, said she was proud that the project team has been able to adapt to different circumstances over the years and listen carefully to the needs of the people BIRN is supporting. “This project also created very stable connections between media professionals in the region,” she said.

Larisa Halilovic, Team Leader at the Western Balkans Media for Change project, emphasized that the project currently works with over 100 media professionals in the region.

After the opening, journalists joined a workshop on the wellbeing of journalists led by Emma Thomasson from The Self-Investigation Foundation.

Through interaction with each other and different exercises, they were motivated to think about workplace factors that lead to burnout, which include unfair treatment at work, unmanageable workloads, unreasonable time pressure, lack of role clarity and lack of communication and support from the manager. The workshop also covered tools for building resilience in the workplace and conflict management.

On November 14, participants heard about the main findings of the Global Index on Responsible AI in Southeastern Europe (GIRAI), a multidimensional tool measuring progress towards responsible use of AI in 138 countries and jurisdictions.

Ivana Jeremic, BIRN’s Digital Rights Programme Content Lead and GIRAI Southeast Europe Research Team Leader, explained that the Balkan region is an emerging AI governance hub with varied progress levels across different countries. “Most countries in the region lack comprehensive policies for AI safety, accuracy and reliability,” Jeremic said.

Journalists also learned about using AI in newsrooms with Damjan Dano, a Tech entrepreneur. The workshop covered AI tools and solutions that journalists can implement in their media outlets, as well as an evaluation of those tools and a discussion on AI’s limitations and the role of human oversight. The participants also discussed ethical challenges and legal and copyright issues when using AI for content creation.

Finally, at the event closure, participants heard directly about achievements from the media outlets that were supported through the project and about the change and impact achieved with BIRN and Thomson assistance and mentorship, from Armela Toska from Monitor (Albania), Amna Mehmedspahic from Radio Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Maja Ravanska from Lice v lice (North Macedonia), Rina Gurgule from Telegrafi (Kosovo), Dusan Cicmil from Vijesti (Montenegro) and Aleksandar Minic from TV Forum (Serbia).

BIRN Grantee Dragana Prica Kovacevic Wins Serbian Equality Commissioner’s Annual Media Award

Dragana Prica Kovacevic, a reporter with Radio 021 and a grantee of BIRN’s Reporting Democracy, won a Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Annual Media Award, which recognises the best articles that contribute to the fight against discrimination and the promotion of equality and tolerance.

Serbia’s Commissioner for the Protection of Equality on November 15 presented the Annual Media Award in the category of online media to Dragana Prica Kovacevic for her article, “Silenced By Scarcity: How Poverty Excludes Serbian Women From Civil Society”.

Prica Kovacevic received second prize for her reporting on the “feminisation of poverty” – a growing trend of poverty she identified that disproportionately affects women, particularly single mothers, retirees and those living in rural areas.

The article was produced as a part of BIRN’s Reporting Democracy project granting scheme, aimed at supporting journalists by commissioning stories and providing grants for in-depth features and investigations.

Serbia’s Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Annual Media Award was established nine years ago and is traditionally presented to mark International Day of Tolerance, with the aim of recognising journalism that has contributed to the fight against discrimination, the promotion of equality and tolerance, and the suppression of prejudices and stereotypes towards minority, marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Meet the People Behind BIRN: Vladimir Karaj

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!

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Open Call for Proposals for CSOs and Media: Society Against Corruption in Montenegro

Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) and Civic Alliance (CA) announce a new opportunity for local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and media outlets in Montenegro. Funded by the US State Department, the initiative seeks to combat corruption, a major impediment to establishing the rule of law in Montenegro.

Background:

Montenegro faces significant challenges related to corruption, impacting its economy and human rights. Despite the government prioritizing the fight against corruption, results are often inadequate, contributing to political instability and societal divisions. The project aims to bridge the gap between citizens, civil society and local media, empowering them to collaboratively identify, report and combat corruption, particularly in healthcare, education and the environment.

Objectives:

  • Strengthen capacities of local media, civil society and citizens to identify and report corruption in education sector.
  • Empower civil society and media to report and counter corruption at national and local levels.
  • Improve constructive engagement between civil society, government and private sector on policies related to education.

Outputs and Activities:

  • For Media Outlets: Cases of corruption in education sector throughout Montenegro identified and revealed though developing factual and objective in-depth articles on education based on the needs of local communities
  • For CSO’s: Improved anti-corruption policies, laws and/or practices in education through developing anti-corruption policy papers based on the needs of local communities
  • Increased public awareness in Montenegro regarding the significance of anti-corruption efforts and the mechanisms for public interaction through enforcing anti-corruption campaign via mainstream and social media

Eligibility and Grants:

  • Maximum grant amount: $12,430.00
  • Number of grants: 6
  • Total estimated amount: $74,580.00
  • No co-financing required from applicants.

Application Process:

  • Eligible entities: Registered CSOs and media outlets in Montenegro.
  • Eligible activities: Development of anti-corruption stories/policy papers, implementation of promotional campaigns, participation in capacity-building initiatives.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Relevance of proposed story/policy paper
  • Capacity
  • Financial proposal
  • Potential and social impact

Timeline:

  • Call issued: October 30, 2024
  • Deadline for submission: November 30, 2024
  • Information session: November 11, 2024 at 11:00 (CET) – attend HERE (Meeting ID: 880 6829 7577, Passcode: 082466)
  • Information session: November 22, 2024 at 11:00 (CET) – register HERE
  • Notification to successful applicants: December 2024

To read the full call to apply, click HERE.

For more details, download the application form and budget template.

Join the fight against corruption in Montenegro – Apply now!

Contacts: Vuk Maraš and Hatidža Gušić at [email protected]

Stay tuned for updates and follow our progress in creating a more transparent and accountable society in Montenegro on BIRN Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

BIRN Investigation Wins Second Prize in Regional EU Award for Best Investigative Journalism 2024

Jury praises Sasa Dragojlo’s investigation into people-smuggling gangs in northern Serbia for shining a spotlight on a previously unreported story of great regional and European significance.

A BIRN investigation into armed people-smugglers in northern Serbia along the “Balkan refugee route” won second prize in the Regional EU Award for Investigative Journalism 2024.

Sasa Dragojlo from Balkan Insight received the award for his investigation, “Albanian-Supplied AKs Fuel Violence on Refugee Route Through Serbia”, at the awards ceremony in Ankara on October 25.

The story probes the role of North African gangs in the traffic and the implications for security across Europe.

“I am really happy about the award because it gives new life to the story. In the poor state of journalism, not just in Serbia but globally, the awards are a sign that our work still matters,” he told BIRN.

“The story I did about the war of people-smuggling gangs in the north of Serbia that took so many lives is one of the most complex stories I ever did and crowns three years of investigative work into this type of underworld,” Dragojlo added.

“Over more than six months of collecting evidence, we could describe not only who the gangs were and how they operate – who their leaders were – but also the local Kosovo Albanian mafia that supplied them with weapons as well as the corruption of Serbian police.

“We had so much evidence that we could name the people responsible, practically making a case for the prosecution. The work on this story was so challenging that I think it changed me not just as a journalist but also as a person – for the better, I think,” Dragojlo continued.

The jury classified BIRN’s article as one of the most methodologically complex examples of investigative journalism in the region, taking into account the amount and variety of evidence collected about armed criminal gangs of foreign origin, as well as the Albanian mafia identified as their main arms suppliers.

The jury concluded that a previously unreported story had put a spotlight on an underworld unknown not just to the wider public but also to the expert community.

Conflicts between smuggling gangs in the north of Serbia have claimed a large number of lives, causing unrest among ordinary refugees but also among the local population.

The jury said the investigation has strong regional importance, since it covers the regional issue of migration, the infamous “Balkan route,” and transnational organised crime from several countries, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania, as well as the phenomenon of migrant smuggling gangs of Morrocan and Afghan origin.

According to them it illustrates a broader picture of one of the biggest current structural problems the European continent faces.

Ksenija Pavkov from N1 from Serbia won first prize for her investigation, “Under the Surface: In the Net,” which exposes the hidden layers of criminal networks, revealing collaborations between crime syndicates and corrupt officials.

Vanja Stokic and Ajdin Kamber from e-Trafika from Bosnia and Herzegovina won third prize for their documentary film “Brother,” which chronicles the struggles faced by migrants, weaving a poignant tale of loss and displacement.

The film covers 18 locations across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia revealing more than 50 graves of unidentified refugees and migrants, many of which lack markings. The documentary has received over 30 awards, and an article that was included in the preliminary shortlist for the 2024 European Press Prize.

Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, handed the awarded journalists their certificates, congratulating them and highlighting the importance of investigative journalism.

The jury consisted of Dunja Mijatovic, Drago Hedl, and Can Ertuna.

Mijatovic is a former Commissioner for Human Rights (2018-2024) with previous experience as the OSCE’s Representative on Freedom of the Media. Hedl is a seasoned journalist and author who has worked for Radio Free Europe, The Guardian, Time Magazine, and others. Ertuna is an assistant professor at Turkey’s Bahçeşehir University with more than 25 years’ experience, focused on reporting on conflicts and refugee crises for both Turkish and international outlets.

BIRN Webinar: Main Findings of the Global Index on Responsible AI in Southeastern Europe

Join us for an insight-filled webinar on November 12 at 3pm (CET) to hear BIRN researchers discuss the main findings from the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI), with a specific focus on southeast Europe.

The event will provide a comprehensive overview of the region’s progress, challenges and best practices in responsible AI, drawing from the Global Index on Responsible AI’s 2024 report.

Sign up here to attend the webinar.

Date: November 12, 2024
Time: 3pm (CET)

Agenda Highlights:

Introduction to the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI) – Nicolas Grossman, Globar Center on AI Governance

This segment will introduce GIRAI’s methodology, including the framework, key indicators and benchmarks that measure responsible AI on social, technical and political fronts. Learn how GIRAI tracks and evaluates governmental commitments to ethical AI practices.

Key Findings for Southeast Europe – BIRN Researchers

Explore GIRAI 2024’s critical insights on responsible AI governance in southeast Europe, covering EU countries and the Western Balkans. The presentation will include:

  • Regional analysis of advancements and ongoing challenges.
  • Case studies and success stories from selected countries.
  • Lessons learned in the data collection process and the first edition of the global index.
  • Best practices to foster responsible AI development.

Q&A Session

An open-floor discussion where attendees can pose questions to the panel, deepening their understanding of GIRAI’s findings and their implications for southeast Europe.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts on responsible AI governance and learn about key trends shaping AI policy in southeast Europe. Applications are open until November 12, 10am (CET).

Top Investigative Journalists in Türkiye Receive EU Awards

Four journalists were awarded for remarkable investigations in Türkiye at the EU Investigative Journalism Awards ceremony in Ankara on October 25.

Stories about political killing, misuse of the Red Crescent after the earthquakes in 2023 and bringing children from Brazil’s Amazon forests to Türkiye were awarded as the best investigative stories that year.

Asuman Aranca Kol, Murat Ağırel, Hale Gönülta and Thalys Augusto de Alcantara Anjos were announced as the winners.

First prize went to Asuman Aranca Kol for her investigation into the political murder of Sinan Ateş, exposing the connections between former far-right Grey Wolves (Ülkü Ocaklan) executives, political figures and law enforcement. The jury said the story had uncovered critical details that had kept the case in the public eye and intensified calls for justice.

Second prize was given to Murat Ağırel whose story revealed that, amidst the earthquake crisis, the Turkish Red Crescent sold emergency tents intended for quake victims.

The jury said the story reveals the Red Crescent’s management coordination problems, misuse of resources, and that a charity had effectively turned into a commercial enterprise. The report led to public outrage and the resignation of the Red Crescent’s then president.

Third prize went to Hale Gönülta and Thalys Augusto de Alcantara Anjos for documenting how the Süleymancılar organisation has brought children from Brazil’s Amazon forests to Türkiye, allegedly as part of a way to expand Turkish influence in the country. Following the report, the children were returned to Brazil.

Special recognition was awarded to Tunca Öğreten and Murat Baykara for their impactful, ethical coverage of Türkiye’s drug crisis, shedding light on a hidden yet critical public issue.

The jury consisted of Faruk Bildirici, Çiğdem Toker, and Tülay Ünal Öçten.

Bildirici is a veteran journalist since the 1980s who has held editorial roles at Cumhuriyet and Hürriyet and is a former RTÜK member and currently contributes to outlets including ANKAe and T24. Toker is an investigative journalist with over 35 years of experience, known for her coverage of public procurement, corruption and economic transparency, working at T24 and Now TV. Tülay Ünal Öçten is Ankara bureau chief at Now TV and has had a long career with TRT and Star TV.

Thomas Hans Ossowski, Head of the European Union’s delegation to Türkiye, gave a speech at the ceremony reconfirming the EU’s support for investigative journalism in the country and internationally.