Jordan’s Anti-Corruption Efforts: A Glimpse into Progress
Amman, Jordan - Tackling Corruption Head-On
In recent years, Jordan has been making significant strides in its anti-corruption efforts. The country has witnessed several high-profile cases of corruption being investigated and prosecuted, indicating a growing commitment to tackling this pervasive problem.
Settlements in Three Corruption Cases
The Judicial Committee of Economic Crimes has endorsed a decision by the attorney general to settle three corruption cases involving 18 suspects. This move is seen as a significant step forward in Jordan’s anti-corruption efforts, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing corruption and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Boosting Cooperation: A Meeting with Palestinian Counterparts
The Chairman of the Jordan Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (JIACC), Muhannad Hijazi, met with his Palestinian counterpart, Ahmad Barrak, to discuss ways to bolster cooperation in combating corruption. The meeting highlighted the importance of sharing expertise and best practices in raising anti-corruption awareness.
Jordan’s Corruption Perception Index: Room for Improvement
According to Transparency International’s 2018 Corruption Perception Index, Jordan ranked 58th out of 180 countries with a score of 49. While the country has made progress in addressing corruption, there is still much work to be done.
High-Profile Arrests and Extraditions
In a major crackdown on corruption, several high-profile politicians were arrested and charged with illegal tobacco production, smuggling, and bribery. The case, dubbed the “cigarette scandal,” involved the selling of counterfeit cigarettes worth millions of dollars.
The extradition and arrest of a businessman wanted for tax evasion and corruption has been hailed as a major victory in Jordan’s anti-corruption efforts. This move is seen as a sign that the government is committed to combating corruption and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Audit Bureau Publishes 2017 Report
The Jordanian Audit Bureau published its annual governmental audit report, revealing 69 cases of embezzlement on public funds in 2017. The report aims to prevent the waste and misuse of public money and includes observations and analyses of the violations committed by governmental entities under the bureau’s supervision.
Prime Minister Refers Cases to JIACC
Jordanian Prime Minister Omar Razzaz referred nine violations listed in the Audit Bureau’s 2017 report to the Jordan Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (JIACC). The referred cases are related to tenders for projects and agreements under the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, as well as financial and supervisory cases related to Yarmouk University and Jordan University of Science and Technology.
Corruption Rooted in National Culture
Jordan’s Human Rights Commissioner, Mousa Burayzat, has stated that corruption is “rooted in the national culture”, especially favoritism and nepotism. He emphasized that many citizens resort to these practices “to secure their basic rights”.
Bashir Hospital ‘Graft’ Case Referred to JIACC
The case of a housekeeping company at Al Bashir Hospital has been referred to the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (JIACC) for investigation. The case involves suspicions of having hundreds of employees on fake lists as service employees who receive salaries without going to work.
King Abdullah Vows to Crack Down on Corruption
Jordan’s King Abdullah II has vowed to crack down on corruption, emphasizing the need for a strong and effective anti-corruption system. His commitment to tackling corruption is seen as a major step forward in Jordan’s efforts to combat this pervasive problem.
These developments demonstrate Jordan’s growing commitment to combating corruption and bringing perpetrators to justice. While there is still much work to be done, these efforts are an important step forward in building a more transparent and accountable government.