From the Ashes to Europe's Audience. The Creation of 'The Logbook of Moria'

The investigators behind “The Logbook of Moria” project share insights into the methodology and creativity it took to turn scattered pieces of evidence "from the ashes" into a story of international impact. "The Logbook of Moria" is an award wining investigation into Europe’s most notorious refugee camp.

In the aftermath of the fire of Moria, Europe's largest and most notorious refugee camp up to that moment (September 2020), a personnel logbook was found. It was a daily diary belonging to the people who were there to protect the unaccompanied minors, but often felt unable to do so. Its pages revealed a horrific reality.

What followed was an investigation - "The Logbook of Moria" - conducted by the Greek non-profit organization Solomon in collaboration with Investigate Europe and Reporters United. The story was shortlisted for the European Press Prize 2021 and won the "Investigative Journalism for Europe" IJ4EU Impact Award in March 2022.

This webinar focuses on the process that journalists followed to convert a piece of evidence into a story of European importance. It addresses key aspects, from the different techniques used to verify the logbook's content to ensuring the anonymity protection of the minors and camp personnel named in it.

The authors Stavros Malichudis and Iliana Papangeli talk about the methodology behind the story, the challenges faced during the investigation and its impactful findings.

More about the investigation: The Logbook of Moria.

The webinar was recorded on 10 May 2022.

Speakers

Iliana Papangeli

Iliana is a journalist covering migration and refugees, based in Athens, Greece. She is Solomon's managing director. She has been nominated for the 2021 European Press Prize and won the IJ4EU 2022 Impact Award for "The Logbook of Moria", which she co-authored with Stavros. Iliana studied Philosophy & Psychology (BA) and Social Anthropology (MRes) at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Stavros Malichudis

Stavros is a reporter for Solomon. He has worked for Agence France-Presse and the Greek investigative outlet Inside Story, and has participated in cross-border investigations with Lighthouse Reports and Investigate Europe. Stavros was shortlisted for the 2021 European Press Prize and won the IJ4EU 2022 Impact Award for "The Logbook of Moria", co-authored with Iliana. In 2019, he was a fellow with the Balkan Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence (BFJE).

Solomon is an Athens-based, independent, investigative outlet that combines on-the-ground reporting with collaborative research methods. Solomon's reporting specializes in migration and refugees, but also covers the environment, food systems, and the accountability of those in power. Solomon publishes in English and Greek and organizes media labs for young journalists and people on the move.

About the Organiser

Tactical Tech is an international non-profit organisation that engages with citizens and civil-society organisations to explore and mitigate the impacts of technology on society. Exposing the Invisible is a Tactical Tech project that develops resources, training and collaborations promoting investigation as one of the most important forms of public engagement.

This event is part of the Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI) project co-funded by the European Commission under the Pilot Project: "Supporting investigative journalism and media freedom in the EU" (DG CONNECT).

This text reflects the author’s view and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.