Portal RasKRIKavanje is distinct fact-checking project of a recognized media outlet (investigative portal KRIK) from Serbia.

Detailed description can be found on following link: https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html

Please also find attached KRIK’s official registration documents.

The applicant is a distinct team / unit within a legally registered organization. Information about this is easily found on its website.

When and why was your fact checking operation started?

In December 2017 investigative portal KRIK has opened a new chapter in its work, but also on Serbian media scene, since back then KRIK team has launched the first portal in Serbia solely dedicated to debunking false news and called it RasKRIKavanje. (In Serbian language RASKRI(N)KAVANJE means „revealing”, “unmasking” or “debunking” in this context.) Our main goal was tracking and discovering the most significant disinformation and false news published in Serbian media, because we recognized how severe were the false narratives with which the mainstream media were poisoning the citizens. It is important to mention that from the very start RasKRIKavanje had its “twin” partner in Bosnia and Herzegovina – it is portal Raskrinkavanje.ba founded by organization “Zasto Ne” (Why Not). During 2017, KRIK and “Zasto Ne” have simultaneously created their sub-portals, since they have jointly formed fact-checking-based methodology of work and this cooperation later led to creating SEE Check, a regional network of portals fighting against fake news.

How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?

KRIK team currently has 14 team members, out of which we have four persons working directly for our fact-checking project RasKRIKavanje. At the moment RasKRIKavanje has its editor (Vesna Radojevic), two journalists/ fact-checkers (Marija Vučić and Milica Ljubičić) and one project assistant (Snezana Petijevic).

What different activities does your organization carry on?

KRIK is non-governmental organization and nonprofit investigative media outlet, our core mission is to investigate and report about state corruption and organized crime in Serbia and to create journalistic databases for Serbian citizens. On the other hand, apart from fact-checking and debunking false news, RasKRIKavanje also investigates main problems of Serbian media scene, as well as reports about state funding of the media.

What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?

Our goals for the coming year are to continue to be one of the most important sources of fact-checked and debunked news in Serbia, to grow our social media community and increase the number of citizens we manage to reach with verified information by producing additional video debunks. Needless to say, we also plan to stay compliant with IFCN principles and hopefully become one of the signatories of Code of Principles.

The team / unit is set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking.

RasKRIKavanje has published 59 fact checks (debunked articles) during the previous six months (since the beginning of September 2021 until March 10th 2022) and on average we have been publishing two or three fact-checks a week (since our monthly average for that period is 9 debunks per month). Please see all our fact checks here (listed in reverse chronology): https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/raskrinkano.php

The applicant has published an average of 2.2 fact-checks a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.

All applicant’s fact-checks focus on claims related to issues that, in the view of the IFCN, could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public, and society.

The applicant has debunked media coverage of the war, coronavirus, and other health-related issues. Apart from fact-checking and debunking false news, the applicant also investigates problems in the Serbian media scene, as well as reports about state funding of the media.

KRIK and RasKRIKavanje do not have any commercial, financial, or institutional relation with the state, with any politician or political party in Serbia or in any other country. In order to maintain impartial position and objective reporting, KRIK has never applied or asked for grants from Serbian government, or funds from local municipalities in Serbia nor any other aid from state institutions, and we do not have intention to apply in the future.

KRIK is a nonprofit media outlet, we are financed by project-based grants (donations) from respectful international organizations and by donations from the citizens (https://www.krik.rs/podrzi-nas/). All our international donors are transparently listed on our website, as well as description of our editorial independence, please see the link: https://www.krik.rs/o-nama/  And as mentioned, significant part of our annual budget is also provided from crowdfunding - individual donations from our readers, many of them publicly post about their support to KRIK, which can be seen by following hashtag #PodrziKRIK on Twitter(https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PodrziKrik&src=typeahead_click&f=live). 

The applicant’s editorial output is not, in the view of the IFCN, controlled by the state, a political party, or a politician.

The statement of editorial independence is available on following link - (https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html ; section DONATORI) 

The organization receives funding from a foreign state, so it should provide a statement on its site setting out to the satisfaction of the IFCN how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports.

The organization receives funding from foreign states, thus it provides a statement on its site setting out to the satisfaction of the IFCN, that it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports i.e. its editorial policy.

The following links lead to ten selected articles, which demonstrate our non-partisanship. Firstly, you will see that we have been using the same process and same high standards of evidence in all articles, and secondly it is clear that our portal has been objectively debunking false news about Serbian opposition and as well as about the government and all other significant figures and institutions, national and foreign.

These are the examples of fact checks where our reporters have debunked false news that were originally launched by Serbian opposition leaders:

1. https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Na-referendumu-u-Lajkovcu-NIJE-glasalo-45-ljudi-u-minutu-poslednjih-sat-vremena-950 

2. https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Nije-tacno-da-Italija-ima-manje-umrlih-nego-prethodnih-godina-643

Next, please see the examples of debunked disinformation (negative news) that were spread about ruling politicians and the current Serbian government:

3. https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Vucicev-lik-se-NIJE-ukazao-na-kuli-u-Beogradu-na-vodi-942

4. https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Nije-istina-da-vecina-zaposlenih-u-Srbiji-radi-za-manje-od-250-evra-830

Due to the highly controlled and regime-oriented media scene in Serbia, more often we must reveal propaganda that tabloids are spreading about state officials, here are some examples:

5. https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Srpski-telegraf-Stizu-dolari-za-lomljenje-Vucica-856

6. https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Sud-dokazao-da-doktorat-Sinise-Malog-nije-plagijat-Laz-866

Lastly, here are several articles in which we were debunking false information published about other counties in the region and beyond:

7. https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Crna-Gora-nije-proglasila-Srbe-genocidnim-narodom-864

8. https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=EU-nije-zabranila-izvoz-vakcina-niti-preti-Srbiji--772

9. https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Njujork-tajms-nije-najavio-da-Bajden-salje-50-000-vojnika-na-granicu-sa-Rusijom-955

10. https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Genijalni-ulazak-Rusa-u-Kijev-je-krsenje-Zenevske-konvencije-972 

The applicant fact-checks using the same high standards of evidence and judgment for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim.

RasKRIKavanje team has developed a unique methodology as a guide in selecting and fact-checking the suspicious news. We would like to point that our methodology is publicly available, and we have unique typology of classifying debunked news according to different criteria.

Our entire methodology of work can be found on our website here: https://raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html  or directly in English on the following link: https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/RaskrikavanjeMethodology.pdf 

The applicant does not unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side, considers the reach and importance of claims it selects to check, and publishes a statement on its website to set out how it selects claims to check.

In the analyzed sample, there was no evident need for the applicant to disclose in its fact-checks interests of the sources it quotes. Also, there were no obvious commercial or similar relationships that could make a member of the public conclude it can influence the findings of the fact-check.

The applicant is not an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, politician, or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate.

Our statement on non-partisanship is a part of our publicly available methodology of work, so please find the statement here (pages 6 and 7): https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/RaskrikavanjeMethodology.pdf 

The applicant sets out its policy on non-partisanship for staff on its site. Save for the issues of accuracy and transparency, the applicant’s staff does not get involved in advocacy or publicize their views on policy issues the organization might fact-check in such a way as might lead a reasonable member of the public to see the organization’s work as biased.

Raskrikavanje’s fact-finding process is based on the use of credible sources and methods, and each article will have clearly identified sources and links to them. Among the sources to be used in the research, the following should be highlighted:

‐ Official data and statistics;

‐ Answers and data from official institutions;

‐ Relevant media sources;

‐ Official statements by relevant persons or institutions;

‐ Research of relevant institutions or individuals;

‐ Opinions of experts;

‐ Legal acts and official documents of a different type;

‐ Own research;

‐ Other confidential and relevant source

The applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact-checks, providing relevant links where the source is available online, in such a way that users can replicate their work if they wish.

In the analyzed sample, there were no cases where identifying the source would compromise the source’s personal security, which would compel the applicant to provide as much detail as compatible with the source’s safety.

The applicant uses the best available primary, not secondary, sources of evidence wherever suitable primary sources are available.

The applicant checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence save where the one source is the only source relevant on the topic.

In the analyzed sample, there was no evident need for the applicant to identify and disclose in its fact-checks interests of the sources it quotes.

Raskrikavanje is fact-checking unit launched by portal KRIK and this is publicly stated on our website - https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html

KRIK is a nonprofit media outlet, we are financed by project-based grants (donations) from respectful international organizations and by donations from the citizens. All our international donors are transparently listed on our website, please see the link: https://www.krik.rs/o-nama/

Please also find attached KRIK’s official registration documents.

The applicant is a distinct team / unit within a legally registered organization. The (parent) organization states the names of each funder on its website. This page also sets out the legal form in which the organization is registered (a non-profit).

Current funders are also stated on the applicant's website.

Raskrikavanje is fact-checking unit launched by portal KRIK and this is publicly stated on our website - https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html

KRIK is a nonprofit media outlet, we are financed by project-based grants (donations) from respectful international organizations and by donations from the citizens. All our international donors are transparently listed on our website, please see the link: https://www.krik.rs/o-nama/

Please also find attached KRIK’s official registration documents.

The applicant is a distinct team / unit within a legally registered organization, as is clearly stated on its website.

KRIK team consists of young, successful professionals and we are very proud that our group brings together many fearless women. Biographies of KRIK and RasKRIKavanje team members are published on KRIK’s website, please read more about us at the following link: https://www.krik.rs/en/krik-team/

(Biographies can also be found at Raskrikavanje, when you click on their linked name within section TIM - https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html )

A statement on the applicant’s website sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear by whom editorial control is exercised.

KRIK team consists of young, successful professionals and we are very proud that our group brings together many fearless women. Biographies of KRIK and RasKRIKavanje team members are published on KRIK’s website, please read more about us at the following link: https://www.krik.rs/en/krik-team/

(Biographies can also be found at Raskrikavanje, when you click on their linked name within section TIM - https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html )

KRIK team consists of young, successful professionals and we are very proud that our group brings together many fearless women. Biographies of KRIK and RasKRIKavanje team members are published on KRIK’s website, please read more about us at the following link: https://www.krik.rs/en/krik-team/

(On RasKRIKavanje website you can found names of journalists and editors within section TIM - https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html ). There is a link to the KRIK website with a biographies of our team members. Biography of Miodrag Ćakić is also added on the website. 

A page on the applicant’s website (https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html) contains names of all those who, according to the organizational structure, play a significant part in its editorial output. Each name should be linked to that person’s professional biography, but instead they all lead to the same page, starting from Stevan Dojcinovic’s name each time.

I suggest the applicant to remove the individual links from each person to one link only, or fix the issue.

Please also unlink “Tehnička realizacija: Miodrag Ćakić” as it misleads the reader (Miodrag Cakic’s bio is not available on the website).

Readers are clearly directed to the parent organization's website, on a page dedicated to professional biographies of those who, according to the organizational structure, play a significant part in its editorial output.

All readers can contact Raskrikavanje team through official email address publicly available on our website, we especially encourage them to let us know if the notice some suspicious articles in Serbian media:

https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html

Also, the readers are sending their questions via Raskrikavanje’s official social media profiles (Twitter: https://twitter.com/Raskrikavanje and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raskrikavanje/). Raskrikavanje team is willing to respond to all questions, notes and e-mails. 

The applicant provides easy means on its website and via social media for users to communicate with them. No contact details of the editorial team are available.

Our detailed methodology of work is publicly available at Raskrikavanje’s website, it is both in Serbian:

https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/upload/171220-Metodologija---Raskrikavanje.pdf   and in English:

https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/RaskrikavanjeMethodology.pdf

(Both links are available on our “About” page: https://raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html ) 

The applicant publishes on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, and publish its fact checks.

The applicant selects claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the media outlets and the claims. The reason for choosing the claim to check is usually clear as it is a matter of public interest.

The applicant sets out in its fact-checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it, if relevant.

The applicant in its fact-checks assesses the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.

According to the analyzed sample, the applicant seeks where possible supporting evidence, usually through thorough online research and rarely by contacting those who made the claim.

Readers can always contact Raskrikavanje team through an official email address publicly available on our website and we especially encourage them to let us know if they notice some suspicious articles in Serbian media. On our website on the page “About us” (https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html ) we have created the section “PRIJAVITE SUMNJIV ČLANAK” (“REPORT A SUSPICIOUS ARTICLE”), where we explained to the readers simple procedure how to submit claims to check, this is the explanation:

“When you notice an article in the domestic media whose authenticity you doubt, write to us at raskrikavanje@krik.rs, and we will check all the information and in accordance with the editorial policy and the importance of the reported topic, we will debunk selected articles and publish news about them on our site.” Also, the readers are sending their questions via Raskrikavanje’s official social media profiles (Twitter: https://twitter.com/Raskrikavanje and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raskrikavanje/). Raskrikavanje team is always willing to respond to all questions, notes and emails.

The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.

Link to the correction policy published on our website - https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html (Section “Ispravke i ažuriranja”) and on KRIK - https://www.krik.rs/o-nama/  

The applicant has a corrections and complaints policy that is easily visible and accessible on the applicant’s website.

On Raskrikavanje website (https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/o_nama.html Section: Ispravke i ažuriranja) we have statement saying that we would not respond to comments and complaints that after checking are unfounded or that contain insults, threats, discriminatory language or hate speech.

The policy on the applicant’s website sets out clear definitions of what it covers, and how mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled.

The applicant should make clear what kind of complaints will not be responded to. 

The corrections policy on the applicant’s website sets out clear definitions of what it covers, how mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact-check, are handled, and why some complaints may justify no response.

Raskrikavanje is highly motivated and committed in maintaining professional standards within its work, so we always give special attention to being open, honest, and ready review our work.

In the previous year we only had two cases when persons mentioned in our articles have contacted our editors after the publication and it was not about mistakes but about additional information. As you can see from the links provided below, both times we have updated the articles, and every change was transparently explained at the end of those articles:

1) https://raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Vucicev-lik-se-NIJE-ukazao-na-kuli-u-Beogradu-na-vodi-942 

2) https://www.raskrikavanje.rs/page.php?id=Informer-Amerikanci-kazu-da-je-zivot-u-Beogradu-bolji-nego-u-drugim-zemljama-831 

According to the applicant's statement and the analyzed sample of work, the applicant hasn't made a mistake worthy of correction in the previous year. There were voluntary additions of information in 2 fact-checks, and it was done openly and transparently.

The applicant is not an existing signatory.

Link to the parent media correction policy: https://www.krik.rs/o-nama/                             

The applicant is a distinct team / unit of a media company, which has stated on its website an open and honest corrections policy.