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July 11, 2003 Editorial Comments Amman, July 11 (Petra) -- Ar-Rai daily said that the verdict of the special military court against the former Public Intelligence Department's general director Samih Battikhi indicates series of dimensions that can not be ignored and go far beyond focusing on the details of the case itself. First and foremost, the indications are there in the serious and high responsible spirit the government has dealt with the case, setting a final decision regardless of all rumors that spread within the Jordanian community, the paper said . The court's sentence has been a sincere translation of His Majesty King Abdullah's slogan of combating corruption regardless of the position of those involved in such a charge, Ar-Rai added. To half the sentence, by Director of PID, to four years, indicates that he intended to highlight the major role of PID in serving the homeland and the people?s interests , and that PID campaign against corruption will continue firmly, the paper concluded. Ad-Dostour said that the special court's sentence regarding the bank loans affair is a very significant turning point in the field of combating corruption and making every one accountable for any action of public position abuse . The paper pointed out to His Majesty King Abdullah II's care, since assumption of his constitutional authorities, to combat corruption and pursue corrupt people regardless of their personal or official position, where he , personally, followed up intensively the state's institutions' performance . The bank loans affair has come to clearly indicate the King's right vision and firm stand when he gave his instructions to the concerned state apparatus to turn all involved in the affair to judiciary to face fair and just rule , and to allow public opinion be informed on the course of judiciary, reaffirming the principal of transparency and rule of law. The Jordan Times said: 'Since yesterday, Jordanians have one more reason to believe that no one is untouchable and that no one can think of being above the law indefinitely. Samih Battikhi was once the most feared public official in the country. But this didn't save him from a trial and a conviction on charges of fraud and abuse of office. Needless to say, the Battikhi trial and its conclusion restored public confidence in the nation's institutions and the system as a whole. Citizens have now the ultimate proof that officials at the highest level can be held accountable and punished if they abuse their powers for personal gains. King Abdullah's determination to ensure that the rule of law prevails and that the bank loans affair is dealt with utmost integrity and transparency speaks volumes of the courage of a leadership committed to change. The publication of all proceedings of the trial, from beginning to end, was further proof that the authorities intended to deal with this delicate matter in all openness.' |
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