Skopje, 19 March 2024 (MIA) - Journalist Aleksandar Dimitrievski is the recipient of the first 2023 Nikola Mladenov award, presented by the Macedonian Institute for Media (MIM) on Tuesday for his investigative story published by 360 Degrees TV show entitled "From a lingerie company to overseeing EUR 1.3 billion project and loaned experts."

MIM informed that Dimitrievski's series of texts and videos reveal serious irregularities in the tender procedure for the selection a supervisor for the largest and most expensive infrastructure project in the country's history - the construction of highways by the Bechtel-Enka consortium.

"By revealing the intention to manipulate the tender procedure, giving the consortium control over the 'secret' construction of Corridor VIII and X with USD 1.3 billion, the journalist demonstrated exceptional journalistic engagement, thoroughness and precision in analyzing and verifying numerous documents and data related to the controversial tender," MIM said in a press release.

The second award for best investigative story was given to journalist Irena Mulachka for her series of texts related to the Oncology Clinic affair, published in the weekly newspaper Fokus.

"Through a series of texts, Mulachka revealed startling data about serious omissions and malpractice in the treatment of patients at the Oncology Clinic. The series of stories brought to light the illegal, unethical and corrupt actions of several employees, which raises the social alarm and puts pressure on competent institutions to take more decisive steps," the press release adds.

Journalist Martin Pushevski is the winner of the third award for about Strumica citizens’ actions against the opening of the Ilovica mine, published in Doma.

MIM said that the series of articles reveal how work permits were obtained, despite concerns and reactions from citizens and experts about environmental damages to the Strumica basin.

The award for most innovative journalistic product was presented to the Investigating Reporting Lab (IRL) for the "Murder in Tetovo" investigative documentary film, broadcasted on MTV1 and its website.

"The film redefines journalistic storytelling, and in an innovative way presents the facts and arguments arising from the months-long investigation of journalists into the causes of one of the biggest accidents in Macedonia, the fire in the modular Covid hospital in Tetovo, which claimed 14 lives," highlighted MIM.

The best photo-journalism award was awarded to photojournalist Tomislav Georgiev for "Church," published in the online edition of Fokus weekly.

Certificates of Appreciation for outstanding journalistic engagement in the category the best investigative story were awarded to journalists Mirjana Mirchevska Jovanovikj, Slavica Filipova Ivanova and Jasmina Jakimova. While, 'Vidi Vaka' and journalist Katerina Topalova were presented with an award for most innovative journalistic product.

The awards for best investigative story have traditionally been awarded since 2001, and in 2013 the award was renamed after the respected journalist and owner of Focus weekly, Nikola Mladenov. ssh/sk/

Photo: MIM