Here is our selection of this week's anti-corruption stories from TrustLaw and other media
LONDON (TrustLaw) - Here is our selection of this week’s anti-corruption stories from TrustLaw and other media:
Global
UNCAC member states can benefit from fuller civil society participation - UN official
TrustLaw, Morocco
A senior United Nations official has said he hopes key U.N. anti-corruption talks this week will result in a solution that allows civil society to participate more fully in the process of reviewing how countries are doing in fighting graft.
FACTBOX: Key facts about the United Nations Convention Against Corruption
TrustLaw, Morocco
Some key facts about the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the world’s largest convention against graft, with more than 150 countries having ratified it since its launch in 2003.
Secrecy undermines effectiveness of world's biggest anti-graft convention - campaigners
TrustLaw, Morocco
Anti-corruption campaigners are gearing up for a fight over access to key talks when countries that have signed the world’s largest anti-graft convention meet this week to discuss progress in the battle against corruption.
Africa
Nigerian anti-graft agency uncovers extortion scam
TrustLaw, Senegal
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has uncovered three criminal syndicates specialised in extorting money from people who are under investigation for corruption, the agency said in a statement.
Burundi ‘the most bribery prone’ East African country
TrustLaw, UK
Burundi has retained its position as ‘the most bribery prone’ country in East Africa, according to a survey carried out by a coalition of East African anti-graft groups.
Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau arrests public employee with $2.4m
The Maravi Post, Malawi
Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested a civil servant on suspicion that the $2.4 million in his bank account was obtained illegally. The civil servant earns $300 a month, according to the Maravi Post.
British govt pledges support for Nigeria’s graft fight
CHANNELS, Nigeria
The British high commissioner to Nigeria, Andrew Lloyd, has pledged the support of the British government in tackling corruption in Nigeria. Speaking at an anti-corruption seminar organized by the British High Commission in Abuja, Lloyd described corruption as a threat to national and economic development and stressed the need for better anti-graft legislation in the country.
South Asia & Asia-Pacific
Private sector graft may be made crime too, says India PM
The Times of India, India
Acknowledging that the agitation for an anti-graft ombudsman has put the spotlight on corruption, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced that his government was considering proposals to criminalise private sector bribery and had introduced a parliamentary bill to make bribery of foreign public officials an offence.
Arrest warrants for Korean bribery suspects rejected
Korea Times, South Korea
A South Korean court has rejected the prosecution’s request to issue arrest warrants for former Vice Culture Minister Shin Jae-min and businessman Lee Kook-chul, both of whom are suspects in a bribery scandal. The refusal is expected to deal a blow to the prosecution’s investigation into the scandal, which erupted last month following Lee’s allegations that he bribed several presidential aides, including Shin.
Middle East
Arab Spring is ‘emphatic rejection of corruption’ - UN official
TrustLaw, Morocco
Millions of people expressed their frustration with corrupt regimes during the Arab Spring and now it is time for the international community to follow through with tough measures to put an end to impunity, officials at a high-level United Nations conference on graft said.
Activists urge Morocco to clean up its act on corruption
TrustLaw, Morocco
Pro-democracy activists have urged participants at a high-level United Nations conference to put pressure on Morocco to take steps to fight corruption, including increased transparency and accountability.
Europe
Bribery charge perplexes Moscow school
The Washington Post, United States
A Russian school sought to boost funds with donations from parents but the initiative led to charges of bribery and the arrest of the school’s principal.
Corruption in Romania: Endless graft
The Economist, UK
Under pressure from the European Union, Romania has launched a fresh series of investigations into magistrates and other public officials.
North America
Graft probe should deny immunity to alleged criminals, Quebec leader says
The Globe and Mail, Canada
The premier of the Canadian province of Quebec, Jean Charest, has guaranteed that a probe into corruption in the construction industry will be fully independent. But there is a caveat - he wants the inquiry to co-operate with police to make sure that alleged criminals don’t receive immunity that would protect them against prosecution.
Latin America
Pre-election violence kills 41 in Colombia
TrustLaw, Colombia
Political violence in Colombia has claimed the lives of 41 candidates running for office ahead of local elections.
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