Champions of Integrity: The Global Fight Against Corruption

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Corruption corrodes societies from within, weakening institutions, stifling economic progress, and eroding public trust in governance. Around the world, courageous individuals rise against this menace, often at great personal risk. To honor their unwavering commitment, the U.S. Department of State launched the Anti-Corruption Champions Award (ACCA) in 2021. This prestigious recognition is bestowed annually upon activists, journalists, legal professionals, and government officials who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery in the battle for transparency and accountability.

Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable individuals who have shaped the global anti-corruption movement from 2021 to the present.

2021: Inaugural Champions – Laying the Foundation for Change

The first-ever Anti-Corruption Champions Award was presented on December 8, 2021, by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. These honorees, hailing from diverse backgrounds, were recognized for their tireless efforts in exposing corruption and advocating for reform:

Dorothy Bradley (Belize) – A pioneer in governmental transparency and financial accountability.

Nikolay Staykov (Bulgaria) – An investigative journalist who fearlessly uncovered corruption at the highest levels.

Alexandra Attalides (Cyprus) – A reformist advocating for civic engagement and political accountability.

Carlos Giovanni Ruano Pineda (Guatemala) – A judge known for his steadfast commitment to judicial independence.

Gabriela Alejandra Castellanos (Honduras) – A watchdog leader investigating corruption in public institutions.

Jamiliya Maricheva (Kazakhstan) – A human rights activist spearheading anti-corruption initiatives.

Juris Juriss (Latvia) – A prosecutor dedicated to tackling high-profile corruption cases.

Riad Kobeissi (Lebanon) – A journalist who exposed corruption within Lebanon’s customs authority.

Martha Chizuma (Malawi) – A fearless advocate for anti-corruption policy reforms.

Denise Namburete (Mozambique) – An activist ensuring financial transparency in government dealings.

Dr. Torplus Yomnak (Thailand) – A researcher promoting anti-corruption education.

Carlos Paparoni (Venezuela) – A legislator confronting corruption linked to drug trafficking networks.

These champions set the stage for what would become a globally recognized initiative in the fight against corruption.

2022: Strengthening the Global Anti-Corruption Movement

On December 9, 2022, to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, the U.S. Department of State honored eight more champions whose relentless pursuit of justice has made a lasting impact:

Antonio Cervantes García (Mexico) – A legal expert protecting indigenous rights and advocating for transparency.

Jean de Dieu Rakotondramihamina (Madagascar) – A leader in financial auditing and public accountability.

Stevan Dojcinovic (Serbia) – A journalist exposing organized crime and corruption.

Cynthia Gabriel (Malaysia) – A human rights defender pushing for anti-corruption reforms.

Rozina Islam (Bangladesh) – A journalist uncovering corruption in the healthcare sector.

Marco Antonio Rueda Soto (Colombia) – A judge maintaining judicial integrity in the face of political pressure.

Qismah Salih Ali Mendeli (Iraq) – An inspector general ensuring accountability in public institutions.

Janet Zhou (Zimbabwe) – A civil society leader advocating for government transparency.

2023: Expanding the Fight Against Corruption

In December 2023, the Department of State honored eleven exceptional individuals for their relentless courage:

Veronica Mihailov-Moraru (Moldova) – A Justice Minister spearheading judicial reforms.

Nikhil Dey (India) – A grassroots activist championing the right to information.

Stanislau Ivaskhevich (Belarus) – A journalist uncovering government corruption.

Marc N. Kollie (Liberia) – An investigator targeting bribery at the highest levels.

Francisco Belo Simoes da Costa (Timor-Leste) – A whistleblower revealing corrupt government dealings.

Jean-Claude Mputu (Democratic Republic of the Congo) – An advocate exposing corruption in the mining sector.

Vladimir Novovic (Montenegro) – A prosecutor leading high-profile anti-corruption cases.

Annette Planells (Panama) – A transparency advocate fighting against political corruption.

May De Silva (Seychelles) – An anti-corruption commissioner strengthening accountability institutions.

Arturo Torres (Ecuador) – A journalist investigating drug trafficking and corruption.

"Ali" Totakunov (Kyrgyz Republic) – A reporter known for bold anti-corruption reporting.

2024: A New Generation of Integrity Defenders

As the world continues to grapple with corruption, ten more anti-corruption champions were recognized on December 9, 2024:

Jorge Mora Cortes (Colombia) – A prosecutor leading groundbreaking corruption investigations.

Matrika Dahal (Nepal) – An activist ensuring transparency in public service delivery.

Altin Dumani (Albania) – A legal professional enforcing anti-corruption laws.

Srbuhi Galyan (Armenia) – A judge known for her integrity in upholding the rule of law.

Carl Irani (Lebanon) – An auditor improving financial accountability in government agencies.

Marr Nyang (The Gambia) – A youth leader advocating for fiscal transparency.

Javier Enrique Caraballo Salazar (Panama) – An attorney general prosecuting high-profile corruption cases.

Didar Smagulov (Kazakhstan) – An activist leading campaigns against bureaucratic corruption.

Jimmy Spire Ssentongo (Uganda) – A satirist and academic highlighting corruption through art and education.

A Legacy of Courage and Integrity

The Anti-Corruption Champions Award has become a beacon of hope in the fight for transparency, integrity, and good governance. From investigative journalists exposing high-profile scandals to legal professionals ensuring justice prevails, these individuals remind the world that corruption is not inevitable—it is a battle that can be won.

Their courage sends a powerful message: No matter the obstacles, the fight against corruption must continue.

As we move forward, the stories of these champions will inspire future generations to take a stand, ensuring that integrity triumphs over corruption.

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