BBC Radio 4 documentary exposes corruption in Syria
Sunday, 2 January 2011
A BBC Radio 4 documentary has shown that corruption in Syria is widespread.
The 'Crossing Continents' programme shows that, 'Corruption in Syria is commonplace. You can see it almost everywhere you go: from a small tip for a government worker to process paperwork, to customs officials requiring payments to allow goods into the country. The single-party government says it's stamping out corruption and that it's determined not to let it stand in the way of the country's economic development. But with economic reforms opening Syria up to foreign investment, it's claimed corruption is getting worse. And those who raise the issue in public can find themselves thrown in jail.'
Commenting on the programme, ODFS Director Ribal Al-Assad, said:
"The programme highlights a sad state of affairs. Corruption goes all the way to the top of the Syrian regime. The Syrian economy cannot continue to be run on the basis of the regime's nepotism and favouritism. Syria needs economic reform but it also needs political reform bringing transparency and accountability. Ordinary Syrians deserve opportunity and prosperity. I call on the regime to end state corruption and move towards peaceful and transitional democratic reform."
Related Links
- Listen to BBC Radio 4, Crossing Continents Documentary: Syria Corruption
- BBC News Middle East: Syria's booming backhand culture