Discover the Rafael project, a collective investigation which was recently rewarded at the prestigious Simon Bolívar Prize in Colombia. Led by the international network of journalists Forbidden Stories, this investigation attracted the interest of numerous media, including RFI and France 24.
The aim of the Rafael Project was to shed light on the tragic murder of Colombian journalist Rafael Moreno, director of the online media Voces de Córdoba. Considered a courageous investigative journalist, Rafael Moreno did not hesitate to denounce cases of corruption, the activities of illegal armed groups and embezzlement in his region.
The Rafael Project revealed that Rafael Moreno had been the subject of threats before his death, and that the Colombian state had withdrawn the protection measures he benefited from. His last fight was to denounce the installation of a quarry on the property of a senator, where materials were illegally extracted for the construction of public works.
Thanks to the investigation carried out by the Forbidden Stories network, the various media involved were able to highlight these illegal practices and pay tribute to the courage of Rafael Moreno. The Simon Bolívar Prize, awarded each year to reward investigative journalism in Colombia, recognized the work of these journalists by awarding them a special mention in the category dedicated to this type of journalism.
This official recognition underlines the importance of the role of the media in denouncing injustices and fighting corruption. By honoring the journalists involved in the Rafael Project, the Simon Bolívar Prize highlights their essential contribution to freedom of expression and the independence of the press.
This is not the first award for the Rafael Project: it was also recognized by the Inter-American Press Association in the “In-depth Journalism” category. This international recognition attests to the impact of this investigation and its success in highlighting disturbing facts.
In conclusion, the Rafael Project and the journalists who contributed to it were rewarded for their hard work and determination to expose injustices and acts of corruption. Their commitment to truth and freedom of expression deserves to be saluted, and their recognition with the Simon Bolívar Prize is proof of their success. Hopefully this recognition will encourage other journalists to continue reporting the truth, despite the threats and dangers they face.