The Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship (CIDC) at the American University in Bulgaria proudly launched the inaugural Christo Grozev Fellowship for Courageous Journalism with a successful induction ceremony held online on January 13, 2025.
The event brought together university leadership, global media experts, and supporters of press freedom to officially welcome the first two fellows of the program: Finn Perelstein and Philip Obaji.
The fellowship, named after renowned investigative journalist and AUBG alumnus Christo Grozev, is designed to support journalists who demonstrate exceptional courage and commitment to exposing truth, promoting transparency, and holding power accountable.
A Commitment to Courageous Journalism
In her welcome address, President Margee Ensign emphasized the importance of resilience and moral leadership and the role of courageous journalism in a vibrant democracy.
Courageous leadership means standing firm in the face of fear and uncertainty,” she said. “This fellowship reflects AUBG’s commitment to supporting journalists who confront the world’s most challenging issues with integrity and bravery.
Following her remarks, Provost Dr. J.D. Mininger reiterated the university’s role in fostering academic freedom and supporting truth-seeking journalism.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, Executive Director of CIDC, highlighted the urgency of supporting journalists who risk their safety to pursue truth in a world increasingly threatened by disinformation.
This fellowship was created to empower journalists who embody the courage and integrity needed to safeguard democracy, he said
Introducing the Inaugural Fellows
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the planned investigative projects by the two inaugural fellows:
Finn Perelstein is an emerging Journalist driven by a deep-rooted sense of justice and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. He spent two years investigating and reporting in the Middle East for his short-documentary called ‘Love Your Neighbor’ about peacemaking in Israel and Palestine. Finn’s leadership in student activism and passion for social change are central to his work, with mobilizing the public at the root of his approach to journalism. Finn seeks to expand his investigative skills—particularly in data analysis and ethical reporting—to expose abuses of power and inspire civic action.
Philip Obaji is an award-winning investigative journalist renowned for his fearless reporting on the Wagner Group’s human rights abuses in Central Africa. Despite facing significant personal risks, including threats to his safety, Philip remains committed to uncovering stories of corruption and violence. His reporting has earned him global recognition, including the prestigious One World Media International Journalist of the Year Award.
Keynote Address by Christo Grozev
The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Christo Grozev, whose groundbreaking investigations into state-sponsored crimes have made him a leading figure in global investigative journalism.
Truth is a powerful weapon, but it comes at a cost, Grozev said. This fellowship exists to support journalists who are willing to pay that price to protect democracy and expose injustice.
Grozev’s reflections underscored the fellowship’s mission to empower journalists working under dangerous and challenging conditions.
Following the public session, a private discussion was held with the fellows to provide tailored feedback and outline the fellowship’s next steps. The fellows will participate in a two-week residency in March 2025, where they will engage in intensive training workshops, mentorship sessions, and collaborative projects.
About the Christo Grozev Fellowship
The Christo Grozev Fellowship for Courageous Journalism is a 12-month non-resident program at the CIDC, designed to support early- and mid-career investigative journalists through funding, mentorship, and specialized training. The program equips journalists with the skills and resources to produce impactful investigations that challenge disinformation, promote transparency, and strengthen democratic accountability.
About CIDC
Founded in 2022, the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship (CIDC) at AUBG is dedicated to addressing the critical challenges facing democracy.
