Four journalists became winners of the ninth contest “Journalists against Corruption” that is held annually by Transparency International – Moldova. The contest involved 17 journalists with 150 articles. The top prize was won by Olga Ceaglei, of the Journalistic Investigations Center. The second position was occupied by Mariana Rata of “Ziarul National”, while the third position was taken by Ion Preasca of “Mold-Street” and Victor Mosneag of “Ziarul de Garda”, IPN reports.

Transparency International – Moldova director Lilia Carashchuk said that this contest aims to assist the investigation journalism in addressing corruption-related subjects. The goal is not only to promote equidistance and objectivity, but to also accumulate more materials. “A number of 150 articles have been presented this year and we hope the law enforcement bodies will take attitude,” she stated.

The jury members appreciated the journalists’ courage to address corruption in their investigations, while the risk level served as a criterion for assessing the materials. Former constitutional judge Victor Puscas, who formed part of the jury, said the journalists tackled subjects of major interest, such as the appropriation of land and conflicts of interest, noting that the media in Moldova became better.

Director of the Association of Independent Press Petru Macovei, another member of the jury, said that more journalists addressing corruption-related issues have appeared, while the quality of journalism has improved over the last few years.

Another member of the jury, director of the Independent Journalism Center Nadine Gogu noted that the subject of corruption in 2008 was approached mainly in news items, but the situation has changed and the number of investigations increased.

As a result of the contest, Transparency International – Moldova published the over 50 investigations submitted for the contest. They can serve as an example for those who want to produce such types of materials.