Siena

Description

Siena, formally VsI Tiriamosios zurnalistikos centras (Investigative Journalism Centre), is a Lithuanian organisation based in Vilnius. It produces independent investigative journalism. It began work in 2019, after an idea that had developed over six years. Its stated aim is not only to carry out investigations but also to contribute to the development and quality of journalism throughout Lithuania.

The centre seeks to expose corruption, nepotism, abuse of power, human rights violations and other problems that harm individuals and entire states. It says it wants to become an organisation that collaborates widely with Lithuanian and foreign media. It views collaboration as one of the most effective ways to produce strong, high-quality journalism capable of driving positive change.

Siena has contributed to international collaborative investigations including the Pandora Papers and the FinCEN Files. Work carried out with partners has been nominated for and awarded the IJ4EU Impact Award. It has been a member of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project since 2020. Since 2022 it has been the only Lithuanian member of the Global Investigative Journalism Network.

It has also worked with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists since 2016, contributing to major ICIJ investigations such as the Panama Papers, FinCEN Files and Pandora Papers. The organisation is led by Sarunas Cerniauskas, with journalists including Migle Kranceviciute and Gabija Kucinskaite. It publishes annual reports.