The honor recognizes her investigation into police detention practices within the Canton of Vaud.
Recognition for Vaud investigative reporting
Geiser was selected from a cohort of 20 trainees who completed their journalism diplomas at the Centre de formation au journalisme et aux médias (CFJM) this year. The jury awarded her the 3,000-franc prize unanimously for her report titled “Détentions illégales: une décennie d’alertes” (Illegal Detentions: A Decade of Alerts).
The investigation explores the use of police holding zones in the canton. “It is a subject conducted with delicacy, depth, pointillism, and humility. An investigation where one takes the time to understand,” said Claude Ansermoz, editor-in-chief of Blick Suisse romande, in a statement released by the CFJM.
Did You Know? The prize, which carries a cash award of 3,000 francs, is presented annually to a graduate of the Centre de formation au journalisme et aux médias (CFJM) to highlight excellence in early-career reporting.
Additional honors for investigative work
The jury also recognized two other journalists for their contributions to investigative reporting. Maude Benoit, representing the newspaper 24 heures, received the second prize. Her work focused on sexual harassment and assault within the youth organizations known as the Jeunesses campagnardes vaudoises.
Alice Ruel of the newspaper La Côte secured the third spot on the podium. Ruel investigated allegations of mistreatment at the Stage Nature association, a facility in Arzier-Le Muids that provided services for delinquent minors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria did the jury use to evaluate the submissions?
The jury looked for depth, humility, and the ability to take time to understand complex subjects. For the second-place entry, the jury specifically cited the courage and relevance of the investigation into sexual misconduct.
Which organizations were the subjects of the awarded investigations?
The winning entry examined police detention zones in the Canton of Vaud. Other entries investigated sexual harassment within the Jeunesses campagnardes vaudoises and allegations of mistreatment at the Stage Nature association in Arzier-Le Muids.
How many journalists were eligible for this award?
The award was open to the 20 trainees who obtained their journalism diploma from the CFJM in 2026.
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