The 2016 contests for EU awards for investigative journalism in Western Balkans and Turkey are now closed in all seven countries.
Continuing investigations of corruption, organized crime and human rights violations
Leonard Kerquki, a journalist at the online media Gazeta Express was the winner of the EU Award for Investigative Journalism in Kosovo for stories published in 2016. His investigative story “Shtabi i Milionerëve” (The Headquarters of Millionaires) was published by Klan Kosova Television on April 2016.
Jury’s justification pointed out the relevance, quality and impact of the story: “Shtabi i milionerëve (The Headquarters of Millionaires) reveals the rapid and uncovered enrichment of people - part of UÇK (KLA), today's leaders of higher institutions and political parties (...) The story generated a thorough public debate”.
Leonard Kerquki commented about the value of the award for investigative journalism: “This prize for investigative journalism is a huge encouragement for me and other journalists of Gazeta Express to continue our work with different topics on corruption, organized crime, and violation of human rights in Kosovo. With this story, we have documented the wealth of many leaders, which have been part of UÇK (KLA) and now are officials and leaders of political parties in Kosovo”.
The second award was given to Jeta Xharra & Faik Ispahiu for their investigative story Vjedhja e organizuar tatimore (The organized Tax Fraud), published by Radio Television of Kosovo.
Best story by young journalist/Third award of the contest was given to Vehbi Kajtazi for his investigative story Dosja e Shefave – Shteti në dorë të nëntokës (The Dossier of Bosses – the state in the hands of the underground).