- 41-years-old, from Borlänge, Sweden.
- Investigative reporter for SVT’s Uppdrag granskning.
- Award-winning author and winner of journalism award Stora journalistpriset.
Photo : Mondial
By Hedda Berg
As a young reporter working for Expressen in 2010, Diamant Salihu was given the task of investigating how easily one could acquire illegal weapons from criminal networks. Within a few hours, he bought a gun – which he turned over to the police. Still, Diamant was convicted in court for weapon offences, sparking debate about investigative journalism’s boundaries. But even then, he wasn’t easily discouraged. Fifteen years later, few have ventured further in the pursuit of truth than Diamant Salihu.
It’s a gray afternoon in January when I call Diamant. He’s in a car, with half an hour between filming sessions. His busy schedule is not surprising. In a few years, Diamant has earned Sweden’s most prestigious journalism awards for his exposés on organised crime, financial fraud and corruption.
But behind prestigious prices lies constant navigation of a complex profession. As a reporter for Uppdrag granskning, Diamant operates in the criminal underworld. And the stakes are hauntingly high.
– In one moment you’re exposing criminals. In the next, they are your sources, Diamant says.
When filming SVT’s award-winning show Bedragarna covering phone scam fraud, Diamant had to watch pensioners lose all their savings in the name of reporting.
Ethical dilemmas have become common practice for Diamant, who constantly navigates through journalism’s paradoxes. He safeguards information that can’t see daylight whilst simultaneously feeling a sense of duty to tell the story.
– It’s just the way journalism is.
Shooting for the Stars
The journalistic path was far from given for Diamant. He didn’t have family in the field. As a natural science student at Sotarskolan in Borlänge, he was interested in astronomy.
– I wanted to venture to the stars.
But Diamant was a talented writer. A friend suggested that he should apply to be a youth reporter for a local paper.
– I had no idea what he was talking about.
Years later, Diamant would become a household name in Swedish journalism. Apart from writing skills, the ability to talk to all kinds of people is key to succeed in journalism.
– You have to listen. Don’t be scared or judgmental. It’s a basic ability, useful for many journalists.
However, young journalists are entering complex times. Polarised debates on migration and war dominate our society, Diamant notes. As a journalist you can’t be part of the polarisation.
– Do you want to be a journalist or an activist, he says.
We shouldn’t be discouraged by current developments. Diamant believes that complexity is interesting. And staying curious will take you far in journalism.
The Emotional Toll of Investigative Journalism
Crime scenes, trauma and organised crime’s inner workings. Diamant has seen it all. It’s impossible not to be personally affected. You come close to people during their darkest moments, he admits. Debriefing with colleagues or a psychologist is vital.
– Understanding your limits is crucial. No one is made of steel.
When the emotional toll becomes overbearing, it’s the fact that people want to talk about Sweden’s ongoing gang criminality that keeps him going.
– I’m doing something meaningful. That’s what drives me.
Fifteen years after being convicted as a young reporter, Diamant’s devotion to the truth remains unswayed. Complexity has reinforced his belief in the need for investigative journalism in the age of rising misinformation and polarisation. The watchdog role is more vital than ever, according to Diamant.
– It’s crucial in a world where voices, faces and stories can be fabricated. People have to trust that us journalists will stand for impartiality and facts.
And at the end of the day, he wouldn’t choose to do anything else.
– It’s a hell of a fun job. You’re part of a group of great people who are passionate about what they do.