Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
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Damascus, SANA-Information minister Omran al-Zoubi underscored the role of investigative journalism in developing the performance of establishments and combating corruption and the importance of tackling all pressing economic, service, social and cultural files.
The minister was speaking during a workshop on the role of investigative journalism which kicked off on Sunday, organized by the Information Ministry and the Journalists Union.
“There is no immunity whatsoever that protects the corrupt from having their files opened as stated in President Bashar al-Assad’s inauguration speech,” the minister said.
The minister urged journalists “accumulate expertise” and start by tackling issues of concern to the basic needs of citizens.
Corruption, he explained, is fostered by a group that has” vested interests” whose interests are inter-connected. “It is the role of investigative journalism to take aim at this structure and work to break it down,” he added.
“A nation cannot be built where such parasitic groups thrive…Their existence and expansion pose serious dangers,” added the minister.
He indicated that the role of journalism is “to pinpoint the sources of corruption, rather than defamation or mud-slinging.”
Participants in the workshop which wrapped up activities on Monday stressed the necessity of facilitating the work of investigative journalism and organizing workshops for wannabe investigative journalists.
They called for forging a “professional pact of honor” that regulates this kind of journalistic work.
Manal Ismael
