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Transparency International opens nominations to recognise outstanding individuals and organisations fighting corruption Berlin, 12 February 2008 – Transparency International (TI), the global anti-corruption organisation with national chapters in approximately 100 countries, is calling for nominations for the 2008 Integrity Awards.

 The Awards honour individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional courage and outstanding leadership in fighting corruption. This means challenging institutions and individuals that often wield enormous power.

"Everyone agrees that corruption is a plague but not everyone knows what to do about it, how to fight it, why it should be fought", said Sion Assidon, Chair of the Integrity Awards Committee. "Fighting corruption can often be very complicated or dangerous. We aim to recognise those who through creativity or courage –and more often than not, both- do not resign themselves to allowing the victimisation of our society and dare to act against corruption".

Each year TI receives a substantial number of nominations for candidates who have risked their lives and their livelihoods in the name of justice, transparency and integrity. Winners have come from Asia and Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. They have included journalists and public prosecutors, accountants, government officials and leaders of civil society.

Launched in 2000, the goal of the Integrity Awards is to offer greater recognition and support to those who investigate and unmask corruption, often at great personal risk. The winners are a source of inspiration because their actions echo a common message: that corruption is surmountable.

The TI Integrity Awards Committee consists of 11 individuals from around the world who have been active in the anti-corruption movement for many years. They serve as the jury for the Awards and confer with TI's Board of Directors.

Nominations for the 2008 Integrity Awards will be accepted until 31 August 2008. For further information please see: www.transparency.org/integrityawards.

Contact:

Gypsy Guillén Kaiser

Senior Press Officer

Tel. +49 30 343820662

ggkaiser@transparency.org

Deadline: 2008/08/31