Rania Abouzeid is a journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.

One Year After the Beirut Explosion, Families of the Victims Still Seek Justice

04 Aug 2023  |  History  |  English  |  Lebanon Judicial Investigation

The article discusses the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, which resulted in the deaths of at least 216 people, injuries to over 6,500, and widespread destruction. David Mellehe mourns his brother Ralph, a firefighter who died in the explosion. The hazardous ammonium nitrate that caused the explosion had been improperly stored at the port since 2014, with some officials aware but the public uninformed. A year later, there has been no accountability or justice for the victims' families. The explosion is emblematic of Lebanon's broader issues, including a corrupt ruling class, economic collapse, and a failing state. The Lebanese people are enduring poverty, hyperinflation, and infrastructure breakdowns, with the government unable to form a new cabinet or manage the crises effectively. The article also touches on the personal stories of other families affected by the explosion and their desire for justice amidst a climate of political obstruction and a lack of hope for change.

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Government Accountability Lebanon Judicial Investigation Beirut Port Explosion Lebanon Political Crisis Lebanon Economic Crisis Public Grief and Mourning Infrastructure and Public Services

Sarah Betancourt is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Treasury Dept. Investigating Florida Gov. DeSantis Over Migrant Flights

12 Oct 2023  |  GBH  |  English  |  Government Investigation

The U.S. Treasury Department is investigating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for potentially misusing over $600,000 in federal coronavirus pandemic recovery funds to transport migrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard. The investigation, prompted by a request from Massachusetts legislators led by Sen. Ed Markey, focuses on whether interest earnings from COVID-19 relief funding were improperly used for a migrant relocation program. In September, DeSantis chartered flights that transported about 50 Venezuelan migrants to Martha's Vineyard without prior notice to local aid groups or government agencies. The Treasury's Deputy Inspector General, Richard Delmar, is leading the probe, which could result in a demand for repayment if misuse is confirmed. Lawyers for Civil Rights has also filed a legal challenge suggesting DeSantis misused emergency funds, violating the constitutional rights of the migrants involved.

Tags:

Government Investigation Misuse of Pandemic Relief Funds Immigration

Seth Bokpe is an investigative journalist focusing on anti-corruption, environmental and health environmental reporting. 
A multiple award-winning journalist, he is a versatile writer with eye for details. He is passionate about Environmental, Health and Anti-Corruption reporting. He Fact-checks ...

3.9 Million Tax Waiver for Hotel: MFWA Petitions Speaker of Parliament

16 Feb 2024  |  thefourthestategh.com  |  English  |  Government Policy

The Media Foundation for West Africa has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to review a US$ 3.9 million tax waiver granted to 4-Mac Limited for a hotel project, citing inconsistencies with the One District One Factory initiative and raising concerns over transparency and accountability. The waiver, approved by Parliament, has been criticized for erroneously being linked to industrialization efforts and for conflicting with increased taxation on citizens to meet IMF conditions. The Finance Committee's report, which recommended the waiver, is under scrutiny for potentially being an embarrassing error, as admitted by its Chairman, Mr. Kwaku Kwarteng.

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Parliamentary Investigation Government Policy Tax Waiver

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Political View

Lassana Cassama is a journalist based in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau: Prosecutor's Office conducts searches at the Ministry of Finance and BAO

24 Nov 2023  |  Voice of America  |  Portuguese  |  Government Investigation

The Public Prosecutor's Office of Guinea-Bissau carried out search and seizure operations at the Ministry of Finance and the main headquarters of the West African Bank (BAO), where the government is the main shareholder. The operation followed a complaint about alleged payments made by the Public Treasury to a group of national and foreign businessmen totaling six billion CFA francs. The Ministry of Finance and Economy official stated that there were no irregularities in the government's operation, which was a normal procedure and that all companies to be paid had been audited by the Court of Auditors. The government is expected to divest from BAO by the end of the year as per IMF requirements, and a Mauritanian bank is set to buy the government's shares in BAO, contingent on the government settling all debts to third parties. Finance and Economy Minister Suleimane Seidi is scheduled to address parliament on the matter on Monday, November 27.

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Government Investigation Corruption

ENGLISH BIO
Radio Journalist since 2002, Axcel Chenney is, since March 2015, the Head of Multimedia of the news website lexpress.mu, the most visited Mauritian website according to Alexa.  
From 2013 to 2015, he was the Chief Editor of RadioPlus, a private radio station with 52 percent of the ...

The ICAC Sitting on a Bomb

01 Oct 2023  |  lexpress.mu  |  French  |  Government Investigation

Sources close to the government suggest that Navin Beekarry, head of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), is under scrutiny due to a reopened investigation by the CCID. The investigation concerns the selection of suppliers for the renovation of Beekarry's office in June 2020, where the contract was awarded to a non-compliant bidder against the Tender Committee's recommendations. There is even speculation about Beekarry's possible arrest, with some already positioning themselves to succeed him.

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Government Investigation Corruption

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Ben Clatworthy is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Transport chief Bernadette Kelly dealt with complaints about herself over HS2

06 Nov 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Government Investigation

The cabinet secretary forwarded calls for an investigation from a senior government advisor into the head of the Department for Transport, Bernadette Kelly, over her mismanagement of HS2 directly to her to respond. Lord Berkeley, the deputy chairman of the 2020 Oakervee review into the project, resigned and dissented from the report team due to spiraling costs and disagreement with the project's continuation. In 2021, he wrote to Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, calling for an investigation into concerns of deception and possible fraud in the project's promotion and procurement.

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Government Investigation HS2 Transport

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Lyse Comins is a freelance journalist and content creator in Durban South Africa.  She covers, business, consumer and social rights, breaking news and health as well as business to business communications for clients across South Africa. Her work has been  has published in The Mercury, Freight and ...

SAA-Takatso deal to be referred to SIU

21 Mar 2024  |  mg.co.za  |  English  |  Government Investigation

Parliament's portfolio committee on public enterprises will refer the Takatso Consortium deal for the purchase of a 51% stake in SAA to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) following allegations of impropriety and undervaluation. The deal, which has since been terminated, was contested by former director general Kgathatso Tlhakudi, who claimed it was unlawful and undervalued SAA by R7 billion. Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan defended the deal, labeling the committee's deliberations as a 'kangaroo court.' The committee chairperson, Khaya Magaxa, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and transparency. The public enterprises department criticized Magaxa for allegedly misleading the public and overstepping his mandate.

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Government Investigation Business Public Enterprises

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Paul Ejime is a Global Affairs Analyst. A widely traveled journalist, former War Correspondent and author, he is an independent Consultant on Communications and Media development and Governance Issues, such as peace and security and elections.

Four Buhari Ministers under EFCC probe over N187bn fraud

25 Dec 2023  |  centurypost.com.ng  |  English  |  Investigation

Four former ministers from President Muhammadu Buhari's administration are under investigation by the EFCC for alleged involvement in over N187 billion fraud. Contractor James Okwete has been arrested and is providing information that implicates former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk and other officials. The N37.1 billion in question was transferred to various accounts linked to Okwete, who allegedly used it to purchase luxury items and properties. The EFCC is also probing three other ministers for graft estimated at N150 billion. In 2020, the ICPC discovered N2.67 billion meant for a school feeding program in private accounts.

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Government Investigation Corruption

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Viola Elias is a journalist based in Juba, South Sudan. I have been working for both national and international media houses for years.
I  have an experience in producing audio package, podcast,fixer, feature story writing, writing for print ,human interest story and current news affairs. I also ...

South Sudanese Journalists Question Govt Probe on Journalist's Killing

05 Oct 2023  |  www.voaafrica.com  |  English  |  Government Investigation

A government committee in South Sudan investigating the death of freelance journalist Christopher Allen claims he entered the country illegally and was not accredited by the Media Authority. Some South Sudanese journalists argue that the government is biased and call for an independent body to investigate the killings of journalists.

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Government Investigation Journalism Media Freedom

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I’m currently working with Geo Television Network and The News International as Special Correspondent in Islamabad, Pakistan. I’m also contributing for The Washington Post and CNN International in Islamabad. I do cover important issues ranging from war on terrorism to politics and human rights in ...

Faizabad commission to submit final report to federal govt next week

01 Oct 2023  |  HUM News  |  English  |  Investigation

The commission investigating the Faizabad sit-in will present its final report to the federal government next week. The report, which includes over 5200 pages of evidence and statements from 28 key individuals, details the involvement of various agencies and the positions of both retired and serving officers. The Ministry of Interior will submit the report to the Supreme Court, highlighting the failures in managing the sit-in.

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Government Investigation

Informative

Factuality Scale

I'm a five-time Emmy nominated journalist with extensive experience in television, radio and multimedia news. I'm adept at live breaking news and packaged stories. My reports have been featured by Deutsche Welle, Reuters Broadcast, CBC, BBC, NPR, VOA and Time.com. I have my own equipment and can ...

Documents Reveal Details About Site Struck by Deadly Malaysian Landslide

05 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Government Investigation

More than nine months after a deadly landslide struck a campsite in Batang Kali, Malaysia, families of the victims are still awaiting the results of a government investigation. VOA has reviewed records that reveal previously unreported details about the campsite.

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Government Investigation Natural Disasters

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Nick Gutteridge is a freelance journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

Civil servants who investigate fraud ‘could be replaced with AI’

12 Jan 2024  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Government

Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart suggests that AI could replace civil servants in fraud detection, potentially leading to a smaller, better-paid civil service. His comments align with Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden's praise for AI's cost-saving potential. The Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs have increased their workforce to combat fraud, but AI could streamline these efforts. Burghart also mentions the trial of 'AI red boxes' to improve efficiency in Whitehall departments. The Centre for Policy Studies hosted the event where these remarks were made.

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Fraud Investigation Government Artificial Intelligence

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Right

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Ubale Musa is a journalist based in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.

Nigeria: Betta Edu under investigation for corruption allegations

01 Oct 2023  |  www.dw.com  |  Hausa  |  Government Investigation

Betta Edu, a minister in Nigeria, is under investigation for allegedly diverting 585 million Naira from the ministry's funds to a personal account. The allegations include misuse of funds for travel expenses to Kogi State, which lacks an airport. The Nigerian government, represented by Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi, has launched an investigation to uncover the truth behind these claims.

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Government Investigation Corruption

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Irene Mwangi is a multimedia journalist with a background in reporting matters politics, governance, and human interest stories. She has great experience in penning down stories that call for change and transformation in the issues of governance here in Kenya and East Africa.

Probe Launched On Mass Failures In 2023 KCSE Exams After Over 40,000 E’s Scored

08 Jan 2024  |  Capital News  |  English  |  Government Investigation

The Ministry of Education in Kenya has initiated an investigation into the significant number of failures in the 2023 KCSE examinations, where 48,174 candidates scored the lowest mean grade of E. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu expressed concern over the results and has tasked a team to file a comprehensive report within a month. The investigation aims to inform decisions for a transformative-based education curriculum. The results also highlighted that 1,216 students achieved an A grade, while 201,133 students obtained the minimum university entry grade of C plus and above. The pass rates for 2023 showed a slight decline compared to 2022.

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Government Investigation Education Examinations

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Chika Onyesi is a journalist based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Labour strike: Reps adjourn probe on job racketeering

04 Sept 2023  |  Daily Post Nigeria  |  English  |  Government Investigation

The Ad-hoc Committee investigating job racketeering among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) adjourned its sitting to Thursday, 7th September 2023, due to a planned industrial action by the Organized Labour. Chairman Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi emphasized the committee's commitment to addressing the alleged mismanagement of personnel recruitment and employment racketeering. The committee aims to make significant recommendations and abolish indiscriminate waivers granted to MDAs. Key officials from various federal institutions have been invited to present their cases.

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Government Investigation Labour Strike Job Racketeering

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Diego Ortiz is a photographer/cameraman based in Santiago, Chile.

Kayser Case: Chamber of Deputies Approved Report Confirming State Irregularities in Investigation

05 Oct 2023  |  Interferencia  |  Spanish  |  Investigation

Between January and August 2023, a special investigative commission of 12 deputies analyzed the state's handling of the Kayser textile factory fire in Renca, which resulted in five deaths on October 20, 2019. The commission unanimously concluded that there were multiple irregularities in the investigation, particularly by the Ministry of Public and the Forensic Medical Service. The Chamber of Deputies approved the report with 85 votes in favor, one abstention, and none against. The report highlighted investigative shortcomings, human rights protocol omissions, and evidence mishandling. The Chilean Forensic Anthropology Team's findings were also noted, criticizing the lack of detailed information and proper evidence handling. The commission, led by Andrés Giordano, aimed to impartially address the case, countering claims of confirmation bias. The approval of the report represents a small vindication for the victims' families.

Tags:

Government Investigation Legal Issues

Interpretive

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Center-Left

Political View

Sheila Ponnie Juba based journalist, born in South Sudan, graduate of Nkumba University in Entebbe. Began her journalism career as a news and programming intern/reporter with Radio Miraya, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, (UNMISS). She also hosted a nightly news and culture radio program ...

Haysom calls on government to probe deaths of civilians in Abyei

05 Oct 2023  |  cityreviewss.com  |  English  |  Government Investigation

The UN's Special Representative, Nicholas Haysom, expressed concern over recent violence in Abyei and Warrap State, urging the South Sudanese government to investigate and reduce tensions. He emphasized the need for peaceful solutions and highlighted UNMISS's ongoing peacekeeping efforts. Haysom also stressed the importance of finalizing transitional security arrangements and praised the recent deployment of unified forces to Upper Nile State, which aims to enhance government confidence and security ahead of elections.

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Government Investigation Violence UN Peacekeeping

Informative

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I am a journalist based in São Paulo (SP), Brasil. I have worked for Folha de S.Paulo, Brazil's largest newspaper, covering education, culture and other subjects.

Federal government to open investigation into blackout in São Paulo

14 Oct 2024  |  noticias.uol.com.br  |  Portuguese  |  Government Investigation

The federal government, led by President Lula, is initiating an investigation into the recent blackout in São Paulo. The decision was made during a meeting with the Minister of the CGU, Vinícius Marques de Carvalho, and will be announced by the Palácio do Planalto. The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, criticized Enel for its lack of planning and inadequate response to the situation, describing their actions as bordering on incompetence.

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Government Investigation Blackout

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Raphael Rashid is a freelance journalist based in Seoul, South Korea.

Having pursued Korean Studies at an undergraduate (SOAS, University of London) and graduate (Korea University) level, Raphael has a solid understanding about Korea, inter-Korean relations, and the Korean language.

Raphael ...

‘Our children were treated like criminals’: Parents seek justice a year after deadly Seoul crowd crush

26 Oct 2023  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  Victims' families and government response

The article discusses the aftermath of the Itaewon crowd crush in Seoul, South Korea, which occurred on October 29, 2022, and resulted in the deaths of 159 people, including 26 foreign nationals. Victims' families, such as those of Choi Min-seok and Lee Joo-young, have been seeking answers and accountability from the authorities, who have been accused of scapegoating the victims and failing to conduct an independent inquiry. Despite a police report labeling the incident a 'man-made disaster' due to inadequate preventive measures and delayed response, no officials have been criminally sanctioned. The families have faced insensitivity, such as being asked to approve autopsies for drug traces and receiving a letter stating their children would not be indicted for 'unnatural death.' The government has made statements of regret but has not issued an official apology. Efforts to improve safety measures for future events have been implemented, but the families continue to demand a truthful account of the events leading to the tragedy.

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Investigation and accountability Victims' families and government response Itaewon crowd crush Safety measures and prevention

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Julia Riera is a multimedia journalist based in Barcelona, Spain. Skilled in video shooting, script writing, editing, and broadcasting live and prerecorded.

What was the US Project Blue Book to investigate UFOs?

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Government Investigations

In 1947, pilot Kenneth Arnold's sighting of unidentified flying objects near Mount Rainier sparked widespread UFO reports across the United States. This led to the establishment of Project Blue Book by the US Air Force to investigate these phenomena. The project, which ran until 1969, concluded that no UFOs posed a threat to national security or indicated advanced extraterrestrial technology. Recent discussions include NASA's ongoing study of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and a former military official's claims of a secret US program involving UFOs, which the Pentagon denies.

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Government Investigations UFOs Aerospace

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Henry Samuel is a journalist based in Paris, France.

Macron’s new health minister investigated over ‘€20,000 worth of gifts’

06 Oct 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Government Investigation

Emmanuel Macron's new health minister, Agnès Firmin-Le Bodo, is under investigation for allegedly receiving €20,000 worth of gifts from Urgo Laboratories between 2015 and 2020. The investigation follows an article by Mediapart and comes amid political turmoil over Macron's controversial immigration law. The French president is also criticized for his comments defending Gérard Depardieu, who faces rape and sexual assault claims.

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Government Investigation Political Scandal

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Serafina Silaitoga is a journalist based in Labasa, Fiji.

Rabuka: No one is above the law

01 Oct 2023  |  The Fiji Times  |  English  |  Government Investigation

Two government ministers in Fiji are under investigation, confirmed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who did not provide specific details but suggested it might involve abuse of office. Permanent secretaries are also being investigated for allegedly signing a Power Purchasing Agreement with US wind turbine company Infinite Power Clean Energy Fiji. Rabuka stated that the report would determine whether the matter would be referred to the Criminal Investigations Department or handled by the Cabinet.

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Government Investigation Abuse of Office

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William Wheeler is a freelance journalist based in Berlin, Germany. He has reported from around the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, Playboy, TIME, USA Today, GlobalPost, The Christian Science Monitor, and many other ...

'Dictator Dan's' state of fear: How Andrews muzzled the public service with the help of an army of private staff bigger than the PM and NSW premier combined

04 Oct 2023  |  Mail Online  |  English  |  Government Accountability

A report by Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass reveals a culture of fear and secrecy within Victoria's public service under the Andrews Labor government. The investigation highlights the excessive influence of Premier Daniel Andrews' Private Office, which had more staff than the Prime Minister and NSW Premier combined. The report criticizes the government's reliance on consultants and opaque hiring practices, calling for urgent reforms to restore public service impartiality. Eight recommendations were made to address these issues, including stronger hiring practices and reducing cabinet secrecy.

Tags:

Political Investigation Government Accountability Public Service

Interpretive

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Left

Political View