December 18, 2025
Workshop Dates: December 5–6, 2025
Location: Amman, Jordan
As part of ARIJ 18th Annual Forum held in Amman from December 5 to 7, 2025, ARIJ organized a specialized workshop titled “Cross-Border Use of Right to Information Laws,” aimed at introducing participants to the fundamental principles of Right to Information (RTI) laws and their practical use in investigative journalism. The training highlighted how journalists can benefit from legal discrepancies between countries to access official information that supports in-depth, cross-border investigations. The training extended to 8 hours over 2 days.
The workshop was led by Tarjei Leer-Salvesen, from Norway, a former fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford and author of a comparative study on global RTI laws and their applications in journalism. He is currently an independent investigative journalist specializing in the strategic use of RTI tools in cross-border investigations.
The training was supported by OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, a large public university in Norway known for its strong focus on professionally oriented education and applied research. Ellen Hofsvang, project manager at the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at OsloMet, attended the workshop on behalf of the university.
Day One introduced participants to the basics of RTI laws, including how access mechanisms vary from one country to another and how this opens up additional opportunities for filing information requests beyond national borders. The sessions included practical training using digital platforms tailored for submitting international RTI requests.
On Day Two, the workshop explored alternative frameworks beyond national legislation—such as privacy laws, environmental agreements, and international mechanisms—that provide pathways to obtain official records. The program concluded with group discussions on newsroom challenges in the Arab world and offered practical strategies to overcome legal and institutional barriers to RTI access.
A total of 15 journalists participated in the training, representing Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, and Yemen. The group featured both early-career and seasoned investigative journalists, which enriched the sessions with a diversity of legal perspectives and professional experiences.
Participants noted that the digital platform demonstrations, real-world examples, and comparative insights into global RTI systems were among the workshop’s most impactful elements.
Mohamed Aghoulayech,from Algeria shared:
“The workshop helped me understand the differences in RTI laws between countries. I discovered new platforms—especially the inspiring Norwegian model. The interactive discussions were extremely valuable, and I plan to pass this knowledge to my students and use it in my own reporting.”
Areen Hamdan,from Palestine said:
“For the first time, I understood how cross-border RTI strategies can enhance investigative journalism. The clear explanations and real-life examples made this workshop truly exceptional and opened my eyes to the power of official documents in building strong, evidence-based stories.”
Mabrouka Chelshoul,from Tunisia added:
“This was one of the most important and impactful parts of the ARIJ Forum. It offered a unique opportunity to explore RTI laws across borders. I learned a lot from the trainer’s sessions and believe I will apply these lessons in my future investigations.”
This workshop is part of ARIJ’s broader mission to promote transparency in the Arab world, equipping journalists with the legal tools and practical methods needed to access official information. Through this effort, ARIJ continues to empower journalists to produce rigorous, evidence-based investigations that hold power accountable and advance public oversight.
