The International Fact-Checking Network at the Poynter Institute joins our colleagues in Europe in deploring a recent attack on a journalist with Faktograf in Croatia. Faktograf is a verified signatory to the IFCN Code of Principles.
Journalist Melita Vrsaljko was physically attacked while working on a documentary, which will be co-produced by Faktograf’s Climate Portal. The motive for the attacks appears to be attempts to deter Vrsaljko from continuing her reporting on illegal dumping and its related environmental harm. The team’s climate reporting was a finalist in the impact category at this year’s GlobalFact Awards.
In Croatia, Faktograf has faced such threats and harassment in the past, although never physical violence. Read more about the details of the attack on Faktograf’s website.
Ana Brakus, co-founder and executive director of Faktograf, said that opponents of fact-checking and independent journalism have targeted her team for attacks multiple times over the years, but the latest incident against Vrsaljko marks “unprecedented and appalling escalation of violence.”
“She is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker, a hard and honest worker, completely dedicated to providing the public with the highest quality journalism,” Brakus said. “Faktograf will offer Melita our wholehearted support, and we call on you to join us in condemning this appalling act.”
The International Fact-Checking Network adds its voice in condemning the attack to a statement from the European Fact-Checking Standards Network, which represents fact-checkers in Europe. Faktograf has been a verified signatory of the IFCN since 2017 and a verified member of the EFSCN since 2023.
The International Fact-Checking Network is dedicated to supporting press freedom and fact-checkers globally, including our signatories. Faktograf is a member of the international fact-checking community in good standing, and its journalists should be free to publish their investigations and fact checks without threat of reprisal.
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