Croatian journalist wins 'Courage in Journalism' award

Croatian journalist Hrvoje Slabek has been recognized with a "Courage in Journalism" award for his investigative pieces on corruption in one of Croatia's largest food companies, Podravka.Slabek won the second place in the competition held by the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (WAZ) Media Group and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). He is the first Croatian journalist to win the award.Slabek had written a series of articles for the Croatian daily "Vecernji List" (Styria Media Group) on the so-called "Podravka Affair," which uncovered a money laundering scandal in the wake of huge company losses.  The corporate managers made money through fraudulent transactions and several politicians were involved, including the former Vice Prime Minister Damir Polancec."It was quality journalism, and contains elements any journalists would be proud of - detailed research, coherent and stylish presentation, all of it delivering a complex story in an accessible manner," the organizers wrote on their website about Slabek's work."These stories are not only a master-class in good reporting; they illustrate how journalism as a public good is not just an idle phrase. They had an immediate impact upon publication," the jury added.Following the publication of his series, Slabek and his family suffered intimidation, pressure and various unpleasant situations.The award honours journalists who have shown courage and professionalism while fighting against threats and pressures they faced while investigating corruption and the abuse of power."I am exceptionally honoured by the award," said Slabek, adding that he recognition provided great satisfaction in the wake of the challenges he endured.Hrvoje Slabek started working for "Večernji list" in 2000 as freelance writer on local topics from Koprivnica and Koprivnica-Križevci County. In 2004 he was appointed as a bureau chief of the "Večernji list" office in Koprivnica. He was nominated for the Croatian Journalist Association's 2009 Journalist of the Year award.

Source: Croatian Times Online News