Dataharvest 2026 - the European Investigative Journalism Conference

This presentation will examine various methodologies and share practical tips — as well as common challenges — when working with freedom of information (FOI) requests in “difficult” contexts. These include investigations into closed institutions such as the police or prison system, requests made under time constraints, or cases complicated by non-transparent governmental bodies.

Drawing on examples from the presenters’ work in Portugal and Turkey, we will discuss how to craft precise and effective FOI requests under pressure, handle incomplete or evasive responses from authorities, and leverage the human connection to follow up informally and obtain information.

We will also discuss how strategic litigation, formal complaints to state regulatory bodies, and public pressure campaigns can be used to compel institutions to release information. We invite FOI practitioners and FOI-curious participants to attend the session and share their own examples of successes (and failures) during the discussion.