Devendra Kumar
Syria’s information ministry has abruptly cancelled the BBC’s media accreditation, accusing the British broadcaster of biased and fake news in its coverage of the war-torn country. The decision comes just days after the BBC Arabic released an investigative documentary exposing the illicit drugs trade in Syria, which revealed links between the estimated multi-billion-dollar industry and the Syrian army, as well as members of President Bashar Assad’s family. The Syrian government has long denied any involvement in the production of Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine pill that has boomed in Syria in recent years.
The BBC’s documentary highlighted the consequences of the drug trade, which has brought misery to neighboring countries such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Experts claim that the industry has been a way to generate revenue for Syria’s crippled economy and sanctioned leadership, but it has also been used by fighters on the battlefield to stay alert. While the UK, US, and EU have sanctioned a few drug kingpins and close associates of Mr. Assad for their involvement in the trade, the Syrian government continues to deny any wrongdoing.
A Syrian parliamentarian recently told the Associated Press that Syria had been used as a transit state for Captagon and other drugs, and accused opposition groups of running the industry. The BBC has defended its coverage, stating that it provides impartial and independent journalism. In response to the cancellation of its media accreditation, the BBC vowed to continue providing impartial news and information to its Arabic-speaking audiences.
The situation in Syria remains dire, with nearly half a million people killed and half of the country’s pre-war population of 23 million displaced. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread poverty, crippled infrastructure, and a general sense of despair among Syrians. The Syrian government’s decision to cancel the BBC’s media accreditation is seen by many as an attempt to silence dissenting voices and control the narrative of the conflict. The move is likely to exacerbate tensions between the Syrian government and the international community, which has long been critical of the government’s human rights record and involvement in the conflict.