Award-Winning Editor: "Our Duty is to Shed Light on the Truth" in Stalled Canopy Case

Ivan Radak, the editor of Forbes Serbia, has been awarded the "Stanislav Staša Marinković" award for journalistic courage and analytical and investigative journalism. The award, presented by the Danas editorial team, recognizes Radak's series of articles that delved into the causes behind the collapse of a canopy in Novi Sad.

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Our duty is to reveal the truth to people. Pressure has paid off, and the authorities had to start publishing information. I regret that this has not extended to other projects.

Speaking about the "canopy" case, Radak described the current situation as stagnant. He emphasized the crucial role of investigative journalists in shedding light on the truth when official processes falter. "Our duty is to reveal the truth to people. Pressure has paid off, and the authorities had to start publishing information. I regret that this has not extended to other projects," Radak told N1.

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The good thing is that certain people's consciences were awakened, so they were willing to provide some documents even before the Government did. They are always our allies.

Radak explained that initially, documents necessary for the investigation were provided by individuals who felt a moral obligation to come forward. He noted that public pressure eventually compelled the government to release documentation, although much information was still missing. Radak expressed hope that the prosecution possesses all the necessary documents to conduct a thorough investigation.

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I hope the Prosecution has all the necessary documentation to conduct the procedure well.

He believes his reporting can assist the prosecution in interpreting the case. Radak spent considerable time analyzing the event, consulting with civil engineers and project participants, and reviewing surveillance footage of the collapse. He highlighted a surprising lack of communication from Railway Infrastructure regarding project modifications. Radak also voiced concern that similar structural integrity issues might exist in other public facilities, posing potential risks due to unaddressed corrosion of reinforcement bars.

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A lot of time I dedicated to interpreting what happened. I talked a lot with civil engineers about this event, as well as with participants in the project. Footage from the station hall, where the collapse of the canopy is visible, was also important.