Corruption

Anti-Corruption Enforcement 2023 Year in Review

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 9, 2024
Fraud, Policy, DOJ, Corruption, Government, Private practice, Congress, Anti-corruption, Lawyer, Failure, Jenner & Block, Legislation, FCPA, SFO

CHICAGO and LONDON, Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jenner & Block published its annual Anti-Corruption Enforcement Year in Review , a comprehensive analysis of significant developments in anti-corruption laws and practices worldwide.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO and LONDON, Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jenner & Block published its annual Anti-Corruption Enforcement Year in Review , a comprehensive analysis of significant developments in anti-corruption laws and practices worldwide.
  • "Our commitment is not merely to interpret the law but to advocate for the pursuit of justice and safeguard legal foundations.
  • We aim for this Anti-Corruption Enforcement Year in Review to serve as an easy-to-follow and engaging resource."
  • "There's never a dull moment in the UK's fight against corruption, and 2023 was no exception.

Press release - Serbia did not fulfil its commitments to free and fair elections, say MEPs

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 9, 2024
European, Corruption, Venice Commission, ODHIR, City, Parliament

Due to the incumbents’ persistent and systematic abuse of institutions and media to gain an unfair advantage, the latest Serbian parliamentary and local elections fell “below the expected standards for an EU candidate country”, say MEPs.

Key Points: 
  • Due to the incumbents’ persistent and systematic abuse of institutions and media to gain an unfair advantage, the latest Serbian parliamentary and local elections fell “below the expected standards for an EU candidate country”, say MEPs.
  • Among these, it points to the inconsistent application of safeguards during voting and counting, frequent instances of overcrowding, breaches in secrecy of the vote, and numerous instances of group voting.
  • Over the last decade since President Vučić came to power, there has been a constant erosion of media freedom in Serbia, characterised by political pressure, threats and even physical attacks against journalists, warn MEPs.
  • The final ODHIR report is expected to be published in the coming weeks.

The rise of African prophets: the unchecked power of the leaders of Pentecostal churches

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Society, Fraud, Abuse, Deliverance ministry, Prophecy, Social media, Trust, Poverty, Clergy, Mining, Corruption, Rape, Health, Television, Father, Mentorship, Control, Food, Fear, Survivor, Research, Parent, Management

Charismatic Pentecostal prophets are known for leading megachurches like these that emphasise faith healing, health and wealth.

Key Points: 
  • Charismatic Pentecostal prophets are known for leading megachurches like these that emphasise faith healing, health and wealth.
  • A 2022 study conducted in 34 African countries confirmed this trend: 69% of respondents trusted religious leaders; 51% trusted their president.
  • Many followers believe it would be a demotion for a prophet to run for president because a prophet anoints leaders.
  • As an anthropologist who studies charismatic Pentecostal churches, particularly in Zimbabwe, I’ve carried out research on the power exercised by prophets.

The prophets

  • Charismatic Pentecostal churches are built around prophets who are viewed as possessing special gifts to mediate between humanity and God.
  • It’s common practice for charismatic Pentecostal prophets to threaten doubters with eternal condemnation, ailments or poverty.
  • Charismatic Pentecostal prophets are popular for their ability to heal ailments.

Big money

  • But charismatic Pentecostal movements, in general, lack transparency and accountability in managing “free will” donations.
  • With vast financial resources that aren’t taxed, charismatic Pentecostal prophets’ lavish lifestyles serve as “proof” of the prosperity gospel they preach – that faith attracts money – while their followers pool resources to finance church operations.

Political connections

  • Post-colonial political leaders in Africa largely view charismatic Pentecostal prophets as allies.
  • Relations with political leaders often span several countries, extending the network and influence of prophets beyond national borders.
  • Allegations of rape, corruption and fraud against prophets can be leniently dealt with due to these connections and protection.

Media empires

  • Charismatic Pentecostal prophets have an impact on the Africa media landscape through powerful television and social media presence.
  • These media channels are also spaces for shaping and managing the public image of prophets – and can be used to counter harmful allegations against them.

Members

  • Pentecostal members form an army of foot soldiers who engage in recruiting new followers.
  • Charismatic Pentecostal communities are tightly knit and coalesce around the men of God.
  • Relations between the clergy and laity are framed around familial bonds, with the prophet as the spiritual father or “Daddy”.
  • More than other religious groupings, charismatic Pentecostal prophets preside over economies that systemically facilitate the distribution of food, clothes, money and jobs within the church – often in the form of church donations to members considered poor.


Josiah Taru has previously received research funding from the Wellcome Trust and the Andrew Mellon Foundation.

Jerusalem: Jewish settler movement makes bid for large slice of Armenian quarter

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Christian Quarter, Muslims, Greek Orthodox Church, News, Arabs, Patriarchate, Demography, Corruption, Sale, Movement, Lawyer, War, Eviction, No Man's Land, Holy Land

A Jewish businessman with connections to the radical settler movement is poised to develop a quarter of the neighbourhood’s territory, with plans to build a luxury hotel.

Key Points: 
  • A Jewish businessman with connections to the radical settler movement is poised to develop a quarter of the neighbourhood’s territory, with plans to build a luxury hotel.
  • The Armenian quarter actually makes up one-sixth of the Old City (the other quarters being the Muslim, the Christian, and the Jewish) and the Armenian presence in Jerusalem dates back to the 4th century.
  • In 2021, the Armenian patriarch of Jerusalem, Nourhan Manougian, agreed a 98-year lease over part of the Armenian quarter with the developers.
  • The dispute has now gone to court.
  • The question is whether the lease agreement is valid or whether the unilateral termination makes the agreement void.

Changing East Jerusalem’s demography

  • Since the 1967 six-day War, when the whole of Jerusalem came under Israeli control, there has been a concerted effort to change the demography in the traditionally Arab East Jerusalem.
  • In many places the authorities are evicting the Arab families who have lived there for decades with the explanation that they lack documents that they own the house.
  • This change of the demography of East Jerusalem happens through evictions, demolitions and buildings restrictions.
  • East Jerusalem is of vital importance to the Palestinians.
  • Decisively changing the demography there is therefore a priority goal for some in Israel – including the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who doesn’t want a two-state solution.

Hierarchical institutions

  • Old churches are by nature hierarchical and the leaders at the top rule supremely.
  • In Jerusalem there is an additional problem in that the church leaders are not always drawn from the local population.
  • The Armenian patriarchate has been accused of corruption and illegitimate sale of property in the past, long before the current crisis.


Svante Lundgren does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

From Pepperdine To Prison: Unmasking Detroit's Dark Secrets in Special Edition of New Book by 3D Prison Consulting LLC

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
The Macomb Daily, FBI, WXYZ-TV, Imprisonment, Corruption, System, Drug

Macomb County, Michigan--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2024) - 3D Prison Consulting, LLC announces the relaunch of Paul Zyburski's New Book "From Pepperdine to Prison" the book that embarks on a gripping journey from the picturesque campus of Pepperdine to the stark confines of prison in 'From Pepperdine to Prison.'

Key Points: 
  • Macomb County, Michigan--(Newsfile Corp. - February 7, 2024) - 3D Prison Consulting, LLC announces the relaunch of Paul Zyburski's New Book "From Pepperdine to Prison" the book that embarks on a gripping journey from the picturesque campus of Pepperdine to the stark confines of prison in 'From Pepperdine to Prison.'
  • This extraordinary account intricately unfolds his personal encounters with police brutality, political corruption, judicial misconduct, drugs, the mob, FBI scrutiny, and the harsh realities of incarceration.
  • "From Pepperdine to Prison" is a narrative marked by unflinching honesty and a touch of comedic satire.
  • Zyburski's story has taken center stage on WXYZ-TV Detroit and garnered recent attention in The Macomb Daily.

Press release - Parliament and Council agree on long-term solution for Ukraine’s funding needs

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Instrument, Verkhovna Rada, STEP, European, Extremely online, EPP, IPA, Foreign Affairs, Corruption, MFF, SME, Investment, Multilateralism, European Parliament, Council, City, Thought, Commission, NDICI, European Council, EUR, Aggression, Facility, Committee, MFA, Development, Parliament, ECR

In talks with EU member states, MEPs have secured key improvements to the "Ukraine Facility”, focusing on enhancing transparency and combating corruption.Committee on Foreign AffairsCommittee on Budgets Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Key Points: 


In talks with EU member states, MEPs have secured key improvements to the "Ukraine Facility”, focusing on enhancing transparency and combating corruption.Committee on Foreign AffairsCommittee on Budgets Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Press release - Parliament concerned about very serious threats to EU values in Greece

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Police, Rule, Fundamental rights, Government, Safety, Crime, Corruption, Death, European Parliament, Corruption Perceptions Index, Council, Privacy, Commission, Democracy, Parliament

Media freedom

Key Points: 
  • Media freedom
    Regarding media pluralism and the safety of journalists, MEPs complain about the lack of progress in the investigation into the murder of George Karaivaz in April 2021.
  • They denounce that journalists are subject to physical threats and verbal attacks (also from high-ranking politicians), violations of their privacy with spyware, and abusive lawsuits –including from the Prime Minister’s entourage.
  • Parliament also has concerns over the independence of the national audiovisual regulatory authority, the concentration of media in the hands of oligarchs, and the distribution of state subsidies.
  • Spyware
    Parliament condemns the instrumentalisation of ‘national security threats’ to wiretap political opponents, including MEPs.

Press release - President Iohannis: “We must stand by Ukraine and its people”

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Union, Refugee, Corruption, Solidarity, Romanians, European Council, Democracy, Republic, Parliament

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis underlined to Parliament on Wednesday the importance of EU action founded on unity, solidarity, cohesion and the rule of law.

Key Points: 
  • Romanian President Klaus Iohannis underlined to Parliament on Wednesday the importance of EU action founded on unity, solidarity, cohesion and the rule of law.
  • Continuing support for Ukraine must be among the EU’s key priorities, according to the Romanian President.
  • “We must stand by Ukraine and its people,” he stressed, adding that defending democracy, territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the rules-based international order, cannot be subject to any “solidarity fatigue”.
  • Enlargement is an essential part of EU’s strategic answer to the geopolitical developments, he added, and a key investment in lasting peace, stability and democracy.

Article - President Iohannis: “We must stand by Ukraine and its people”

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Union, European Council, Republic, Democracy, Refugee, Corruption, Parliament, Romanians, Solidarity

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis underlined to Parliament the importance of EU action founded on unity, solidarity, cohesion and the rule of law.

Key Points: 
  • Romanian President Klaus Iohannis underlined to Parliament the importance of EU action founded on unity, solidarity, cohesion and the rule of law.
  • Continuing support for Ukraine must be among the EU’s key priorities, according to the Romanian President.
  • “We must stand by Ukraine and its people,” he stressed, adding that defending democracy, territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the rules-based international order, cannot be subject to any “solidarity fatigue”.
  • Enlargement is an essential part of EU’s strategic answer to the geopolitical developments, he added, and a key investment in lasting peace, stability and democracy.

Macky Sall throws Senegal’s democratic credentials into doubt

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Internet, Police, MP, Government, Personality, Freedom House, Running, Corruption, Freedom, Socialist Party, Social media, Democracy, Republic, Movement, Drug

Senegal’s President Macky Sall announced in early February that presidential elections, originally scheduled for 25 February, would be postponed indefinitely.

Key Points: 
  • Senegal’s President Macky Sall announced in early February that presidential elections, originally scheduled for 25 February, would be postponed indefinitely.
  • The announcement has raised fears of popular protests, violent repression, a once democratic president transforming into an authoritarian ruler – and possibly even another coup d’état in west Africa.
  • This is when an opposition party which came to power through democratic elections (the first turnover) itself hands over power to its opposition after losing democratic elections (the second turnover).
  • Senegal’s democratic credentials seemed to be cemented by the fact that none of the presidents succeeded in staying on unconstitutionally.

A model west African democracy

  • The think-tank uses a set of criteria such as political rights and civil liberties to categorise countries as free, partly free and not free.
  • Senegal scores well in some areas, like academic freedom and individuals’ right to practise and express their faith or non-belief in public.
  • But it falls down in others, such as restricting people’s right of assembly and violently dispersing some demonstrations.
  • Although regular elections are held, each one of Senegal’s leaders started off well, then attempted to stay in power longer than the designated time.
  • But, in 1963, 1968, 1973 and 1978, he staged presidential plebiscites so that he could remain in office.
  • Wade served time in prison following a long struggle for power, and was forced into exile in Paris.
  • Several opposition lawmakers were forcibly removed from the chamber while the police used tear gas to disperse protesters gathered outside the parliament building.

What next?


In my view Senegal is a consolidated democracy. It has passed through three peaceful democratic transitions of power from a ruling party to the opposition. The optics of the present moment are certainly not good. But past experience suggests a new president could still come to office, either from the ruling party or from the opposition.
Douglas Yates does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.