European Press Prize Shortlist
The Distinguished Writing Award 2017
Nominee

“A reportage that turns upside down the ultimate paradise: the Maldives.” Roberto Saviano

“A well-written, revelatory journey beyond the tourist facade of Maldives – a clear hit for Italy.” The preparatory committee of EPP on Destination Paradise: Among the jihadists of the Maldives

A breathtaking reportage to understand islamic terrorism in a place where the First and the Third World are divided but close. And the contrast is enlightening.

Western tourists barely realise it is a Muslim country. Yet, the Republic of Maldives is a non-Arab country with the world’s highest number of foreign fighters per capita. Everybody has a brother, a cousin, a friend in Syria. This is a reportage on what we do not know about the countries jihadists come from.

“While the rest of the world watched the Olympics in August, everyone here was watching the battle of Aleppo. And rooting for al-Qaeda.”