Eight Latin American journalists are among the 25 newest members of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), the transnational investigative network behind the Panama Papers investigation.
"Our 25 new members are leaders in the field of investigative journalism in their own countries," Emilia Díaz Struck, ICIJ research editor and Latin America coordinator, told the Knight Center. "They have conducted journalistic investigations, including projects like the Panama Papers, with great courage and as great team players."
The 25 journalists, which represent 20 different countries, were welcomed June 28 in one of ICIJ's biggest expansions in recent years. With this addition, the consortium is now 200 journalists strong.
Many of the new Latin American members not only contributed to the Pulitzer-winning Panama Papers investigation, but also have worked on and led collaborations in the region on topics like the Lava Jato scandal, pharmaceutical companies and corruption, according to Díaz Struck.
"They have worked under complex environments for journalists, some have faced threats, and have remained independent producing valuable journalistic pieces with high standards," Díaz Struck explained.
The new Latin American members are:
As noted by ICIJ, Ramírez is the first Honduran journalist to be part of the group.
"In our latest projects, Latin America has appeared as one of the regions in which stories had relevant connections with figures and companies of public interest for Latin America," said Díaz Struck, highlighting that about one-third of the journalists who worked on the Panama Papers were from Latin America.
"To make sense of a complex and diverse region like Latin America, we count on a network of journalists who have great journalistic standards and know how to investigate complex topics in their own countries," she added.
Membership into ICIJ, a non-profit organization, is by invitation only, but those interested can email a resume and samples of investigative work to contact@icij.org.
Note from the editor: This story was originally published by the Knight Center’s blog Journalism in the Americas, the predecessor of LatAm Journalism Review.
