USAID Rule of Law Program is excited to announce a competition for regional journalists from Imereti, Guria, Samegrelo–Zemo Svaneti and Adjara, aimed at recognizing and promoting excellence in court case coverage and ethical reporting in legal journalism.

This competition provides a platform for talented journalists to showcase their analytical prowess, and storytelling abilities in the domain of legal reporting on human rights related cases.

Eligibility:

The contest is open to all journalists from broadcast, online and print media covering Imereti, Guria, Samegrelo–Zemo Svaneti and Adjara regions.  

Entry Requirements:

1. The work entered must be published, posted, or aired between June 8, 2023 and November 1, 2023;
2. Submitted work must relate to human rights related cases;
3. One journalist is eligible to submit more than one work to the competition. 

Judging Process:

A distinguished panel of media experts and legal professionals will evaluate the entries based on the following criteria:

1. Ensuring accuracy and reliability of information by verifying facts, quotes, and legal terminology, while clearly distinguishing between facts and opinions in reporting.
2. Demonstrating fairness and impartiality by providing equal opportunities for all sides to present their arguments, avoiding favoritism or bias towards any party involved in the case.
3. Respecting the privacy, sensitivity, and dignity of individuals involved in the case, including victims, witnesses, and defendants.
4. Upholding respect for the legal process and the presumption of innocence, while providing balanced coverage of all stages of the legal proceedings, including the defense's arguments and the prosecution's case.
5. Using clear and concise language to enhance understanding and readability.
6. Maintaining a structured narrative and chronological flow when analyzing or storytelling, particularly when describing the sequence of events in the court proceedings.
7. Incorporating illustrative examples or visual aids to add value and enhance comprehension.
8. Providing relevant context and background information to help the audience grasp the broader implications of the case.
9. Recognizing the impact and public interest value of storytelling, as it can educate, empower, and inspire action, ultimately shaping public opinion and driving positive societal change.

How to Enter:

1. Participant should fill in all lines of the given form.
2. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The winners in the below given categories will each receive a prize of approximately 500 USD (equivalent in GEL) in vouchers for the following:

1. Best story in broadcast (TV and Radio) or online media;
2. Best story in print or online media;
3. Best documentary photo reflecting court case.

For all inquiries related to the competition, please contact:

1. Meri Makharashvili – Communications Advisor – mmakharashvili@ewmi.org
2. Irina Khakhutaishvili - Regional Hub Attorney, Batumi – ikhakhutaishvili@ewmi.org
3. Ana Shalamberidze - Regional Hub Attorney, Kutaisi – ashalamberidze@ewmi.org 

We look forward to receiving your entries and celebrating the finest examples of court case coverage!