Qarib Award-Winning Investigation | First Place – Best Reporting on Finance & Economy by Female Journalists

This groundbreaking investigation by Hala Nasreddine, a female Lebanese Journalist published on Daraj as part of the CyCprus Confidential project, exposes for the first time how Salim Sfeir, Chairman of Bank of Beirut and Head of the Association of Lebanese Banks, moved funds to Cyprus while Lebanon faced an economic meltdown.
As depositors remained locked out of their life savings, evidence uncovered in this report reveals how Lebanon’s banking elite, including Sfeir, transferred and safeguarded their wealth abroad, raising serious concerns about his role in obstructing Lebanon’s financial recovery plan.

With meticulous research and fearless reporting, Nasreddine’s investigation brings to light the hidden financial maneuvers that deepened Lebanon’s crisis, demanding accountability and justice.

This award-winning piece stands as a testament to the power of female investigative journalism in uncovering corruption and challenging those in power.

In a region marked by conflict and political turmoil, many women journalists have found themselves on the frontlines, often in extremely challenging conditions. Covering war and violence was not necessarily their initial path, yet they have stepped forward with dedication, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to truth. 
In Palestine and Lebanon, where relentless conflict has turned reporters into war correspondents overnight, these women have continued to document the realities of war while upholding the highest standards of ethical journalism, despite the immense risks.

With over 200 submissions, the Qarib Awards showcased the diversity, creativity, and depth of journalism in the Middle East. Beyond recognizing outstanding journalistic work, this year’s awards served as a tribute to the essential role of women in the media landscape. 
Their perseverance, determination, and commitment to amplifying voices too often overlooked are more critical than ever in an era where independent journalism stands as a barrier against misinformation and manipulation.