Transparency Releases Shortlist for Anti-Corruption Award
Transparency Releases Shortlist for Anti-Corruption Award
Global anti-corruption organization Transparency International (TI) has announced the shortlisted candidates for the 2018 Anti-Corruption Award. The award will be announced on 22 October in a ceremony at the 18th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC), in Copenhagen, Denmark.
“Through their tireless work and bravery, the three individuals and one institution shortlisted for the 2018 Anti-Corruption Award each send a strong message: that corruption can be challenged. However, each of their stories also speaks to the intense pressure and dangers faced by those who stand up against injustice,” said Boris Divjak, chair of the Anti-Corruption Awards Committee and TI Board Member. “In shortlisting these four inspiring candidates, we celebrate their impact and their courage.”
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Shortlisted Candidates
Daphne Caruana Galizia (posthumous) was a brave and effective investigative journalist who exposed major corruption scandals involving powerful politicians and other individuals in Malta and abroad. She was murdered in October 2017.
“Daphne’s battle was a dangerous one and that the bravery with which she fought it should serve as an example to us all as we continue her unfinished fight.” – Paul Caruana Galizia, son of Daphne.
The International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) is an international body charged with investigating and prosecuting serious crime in Guatemala. Iván Velázquez, the CCIG Commissioner, has recently been banned from entering the country.
“The anti-corruption struggle is unstoppable, despite the opposition and obstacles, the clamour for more transparent democracies and greater accountability will not stop.” – Matías Ponce, CICIG spokesperson.
Khadija Ismayilova is a celebrated investigative journalist and human rights activist in Azerbaijan, currently facing a travel ban. She has contributed multiple investigative reports to Radio Free Europe and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
“Everyday we hear about killing, arrest, or harassment of journalists who uncover corruption and rarely we witness corrupt leaders paying a price for their crimes. Bad guys help each other to silence critics and hide stolen wealth. It is time for those who expose them to work together.” – Khadija Ismayilova
Ana Garrido Ramos is a former public servant at Boadilla del Monte Town Hall in Madrid, Spain, whose whistleblower revelations triggered the Gürtel case that led to the fall of the Spanish government. She is campaigning for effective whistleblower protection legislation.
“Citizens can not sit idly by waiting for the world to change, each of us must be part of that transformation.” – Ana Garrido Ramos.
The four shortlisted candidates were selected from 169 nominated individuals and institutions. More than 1,000 nominations were received, mostly from members of the public.
Launched in 2000 as the Integrity Award, and renamed in 2016, the Anti-Corruption Award honours remarkable individuals and organisations worldwide, including journalists, public prosecutors, government officials, and civil society leaders.
The Anti-Corruption Award may be conferred to a person or an organisation discharging official or professional duties, as well as to activists from all walks of life.
Photo courtesy: Transparency International
