Skopje, 20 October 2024 (MIA) -- This year's EU Investigative Journalism Awards in the Western Balkans and Türkiye first prize winner in North Macedonia is Irena Mulachka for her story published in Fokus, "The Oncology Scandal." Mulachka investigated and wrote about the Skopje cancer hospital where staff were withholding life-saving medical care from cancer patients and reselling cancer drugs. 

Miomir Serafinovikj and Snezhana Lupevska Sozen won second prize for their investigative report on nepotism, titled "Zajas Family Tree: Soravia, Electricity, Diplomacy," broadcast on Telma TV.

Aleksandar Metodijev and Suzana Miceva won third prize for a story about illegal logging at Jablanica mountain and institutional neglect for the environment.

EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas handed the prizes to the journalists on Friday evening, highlighting the EU's commitment to supporting independent journalism and media freedom in the region.

He said investigative reporting drives social change and is crucial for democracy. mr/