ARIJ Hosts Masterclass on Advanced Open-Source Investigation Techniques

January 14, 2025

As part of ARIJ’s ongoing efforts to empower journalists to conduct accurate and effective investigative reporting that promotes transparency and accountability, the network organized an advanced training workshop titled “Advanced Skills in Open Source for Investigations” during its 17th Annual Forum.


The workshop focused on enhancing verification skills for visual content, including images and videos, through notable case studies such as the assassination of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the arrest warrants issued against Mahmoud al-Werfalli.


The 3-hour workshop was led by Nick Waters, an open-source analyst at Bellingcat, and attended by 25 journalists from 11 Arab and international countries, 44% of whom were females and 68% of whom had participated in the fifth edition of the Data Journalism Diploma.


This in-person training was designed to complement the skills and knowledge acquired by journalists, providing an intensive and practical learning experience. It introduced innovative methods for determining the location and time of visual content using advanced tools such as satellite imagery and artificial intelligence technologies.


This workshop reflects ARIJ’s commitment to equipping journalists with the tools and skills needed to conduct reliable and impactful investigative reporting, reinforcing the role of journalism in serving communities and achieving justice.


Participants Feedback

A very useful workshop where we learned a new method for searching within open sources. We hope to have a follow-up workshop in the future.” – Asmaa Mohammed Al-Masalmeh, Female, Palestine.


This workshop taught me how to use Google Maps to identify locations and individuals and pinpoint their exact whereabouts. We also received extensive practical training during the workshop, which enhanced our skills.” – Asmaa Hamdy Kandil, Female, Egypt.


I was fortunate to be selected to attend a remarkable workshop on open sources during the recently concluded ARIJ 17th Annual Forum. It wasn’t just a passing experience but a pivotal moment in enhancing my knowledge of effective tools that will undoubtedly make a difference in my journalistic career.  


I always find ARIJ to be a continuous learning platform. Through it, we develop our skills and improve our tools, which positively reflects on our journalistic stories, enabling them to be presented in the best possible way.  

Thank you for the support and encouragement.” – Sahar Azazzy, Female, Egypt.


Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ)
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