Gela Mtivlishvili Receives Investigative Journalism Award for Film Crime in Shovi

"This groundbreaking investigation exposed catastrophic negligence in Shovi and revealed that the disaster, which claimed numerous lives, had been foreseen for decades.

Through a meticulous review of documents, geological maps, and expert studies, Mtis Ambebi exposed how government inaction left the resort without evacuation plans, safety measures, or adequate infrastructure. The investigation shed light on the criminal negligence behind the incomplete construction of a vital barrier on the Bubis River and the chaos that followed the disaster. In the crucial first hours, the rescue efforts were delayed, uncoordinated, and severely under-equipped.

Mtis Ambebi’s fearless reporting not only holds those responsible to account but also gives a voice to the victims of this preventable tragedy, making them a worthy recipient of this award," the Europe Foundation stated.

The jury members included Professor Brant Houston, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Global Network of Investigative Journalism and professor at the University of Illinois; Max Horwitt, professor of journalism at the University of Missouri; Maia Mikashavidze, representative of the Internews Foundation and professor at the Institute of Public Affairs of Georgia; and Ketevan Vashakidze, President of the Europe Foundation.

The Europe Foundation established the Investigative Journalism Award to support and encourage Georgian investigative journalists, who often work in dangerous and hostile environments to cover important issues. The award aims to identify and promote journalists and media outlets that have exposed critical issues and, at the same time, sparked broad public mobilization demanding accountability from those responsible, or have achieved other significant changes for the benefit of the citizens of Georgia.

The second award was given to Aidan Yusuf and Natia Mikeladze for their journalistic investigation, Sanction Evasion: How Georgia Facilitates Russia’s Military Supply Chain. (iFact)

The third award was presented to TV First journalist Maka Chikhladze, along with Studio Monitori journalists Zurab Modebadze and Nino Zuriashvili.

Maka Chikhladze's journalistic investigation uncovered cases of misuse of state funds, revealing how millions of GEL from the state budget are spent on compensating individuals employed in non-existent jobs throughout the country. The investigation showed a significant increase in employees at municipal non-commercial legal and public law entities. These individuals, who often do not even show up for work, are believed to be utilized by the government for political purposes, particularly in protest rallies and voter bribery, potentially influencing election outcomes.

Zurab Modebadze and Nino Zuriashvili's investigation, System Against the People, revealed how the authorities employed illegal detentions to suppress protests against the so-called agents of foreign influence law. The journalistic investigation uncovered cases of arrests involving active citizens, politicians, journalists, and human rights defenders by the police based on false testimony. It demonstrated how the authorities use arrests to intimidate and silence the public, thereby dampening protest movements. Additionally, the judges presiding over these cases were appointed for life.

Special recognition from the jury was awarded to Samkhretis Karibche and its journalists - Nuka Stepnadze, Tako Peikrishvili, and Temo Inasaridze - for their outstanding efforts and determination as a small local media outlet. Despite limited resources and a challenging environment, these journalists conducted an excellent series of investigations that exposed various violations, abuses of power, corruption, and inappropriate spending of budgetary resources. Their work has highlighted the problems faced by local communities, which would otherwise have gone unnoticed by the public.

"This year's winners reflect the depth and breadth of the investigative reporting being conducted in Georgia. There is deep digging that held government officials accountable in real time, as floodwaters devastated Shovi

There is great detective work that uses documents and data to illustrate how Georgian businesses are getting creative to violate sanctions regulating sales to Russia. There is relentless reporting that highlights the existence of ghost workers who are paid for nothing but their loyalty come election time. And there is brave local journalism that holds truth to power. All of this work, and many of the other entries, illustrate just how important independent journalism is in Georgia. The country's journalists play a vital role in holding the powerful accountable and fighting against misinformation at all levels of government,” said Mark Horvit, a member of the competition jury.

“The winners and many of the other entries revealed the significant increase in the amount of dedicated and substantial investigative journalism in Georgia. The investigative reporting ranges from major projects to more immediate watchdog work necessary to try to prevent corruption, fraud and exploitation of the vulnerable in the battle for democracy and a fair and just society,” said Brant Houston, another member of the competition jury.

Mtis Ambebi received the Europe Foundation's Investigative Journalism Award for the best journalistic investigation last year for the film Occupation of Rachi Forests.