Journalists who have covered court processes on television, radio, online and print news outlets, judges or court employees who have been active in engaging the media, and researchers who have studied how the national legal system can most effectively work with journalists, were all eligible for the awards. Winners were chosen from over 70 newspaper, radio, television and internet news outlets, who had produced more than 750 stories on recent court reform, justice, and the rule of law.

Improving national media’s coverage of courts and the justice sector, and helping legal professionals better engage with journalists, are among the primary focuses of the ‘Rule of Law Partnership in Uzbekistan’ project. This Project works to empower journalists, ensuring they have access to information and training that will give them a greater understanding of the national legal system and its processes. Its activities have also included press conferences, briefings, trainings and media tours of the Supreme Court and other courts nationwide. These initiatives have not only led to better media coverage and greater transparency but have also given the justice system an opportunity to accurately present the outcomes of its reforms in the media, and to let citizens know how they can access and benefit from the national legal system.

This competition has been an excellent opportunity to celebrate the work journalists and legal professionals are doing together to make the national courts system more transparent and open. Winners have been selected in the following categories:

– The most active journalist in the field of television and radio broadcasting;

– The most active journalist in print media;

– The most active journalist in the field of online journalism;

– The most active judge and court employee;

– The most active researcher.