Young Journalist Investigated Corruption Cases

Without passing any medical exam, students can buy the medical data sheet; how foreigners are cheated in Moldovan stores, bars and other tourist spots; illegal fees charged for land registrations … These were among the topics reported by young investigative journalists in the second edition of the newspaper “Short Circuit.” The newspaper was produced by a new team of participants in the Young Journalists Against Corruption project organized by the Young Journalist Centre with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Strengthening Civil Society Monitoring Capacity in Moldova (SCSMCM) program.  For three months, two trainers with experience in investigative journalism had assisted 13 young journalists in writing and preparing their investigation stories on corruption issues for publication in the newspaper.   Recognition for the best stories went to: • Iurie Sanduta, who wrote about fake gold sold on Chisinau’s main street, near the Ministry of Internals Affairs • Victor Mosneag, who described how employment companies invent different ways of taking money from job-seekers • Daniela Dermengi, who wrote about a priest who would not allow a burial in the community cemetery because the deceased man was of another religion. The workshop leaders, Vitalie Dogaru and Larisa Lozinschi, said many of the students produced investigations that were professional enough for publication in national media.  “It was very interesting to work with these young journalists who showed a mature level of responsibility,” said Ms.  Lozinschi.   The eight-page newspaper will be distributed at youth resource centers and other locations across Moldova.  The first edition of the newspaper was published in June by another group of young journalists participating in the same program.  The program was designed to strengthen the media’s role in the fight against corruption. The SCSMCM program is implemented by the Academy for Educational Development (AED) with technical support from the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).  It is funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation and managed by USAID within the framework of the Threshold Country Program (TCP) for the Republic of Moldova.  The overall program goal is to strengthen the monitoring and advocacy capacity of civil society organizations and mass media to help prevent and deter corruption in Moldova. ##### For further information about the event or SCSMCM’s media support activities, please contact Roxana Teodorcic or Olivia Pоrtac of IREX at tel: 29 54 04, or by email: rteodorcic@irex.md or opirtac@irex.md.