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Syria Withdraws BBC’s Press Credentials and Charges it with Dissemination of ‘Fake News’

by Ryan Lee
7 comments
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The Information Ministry of Syria has revoked the BBC’s press credentials, accusing the UK-based broadcaster of propagating biased and unauthentic news about the conflict-ridden nation.

The move comes shortly after BBC Arabic aired a probing documentary on the illegal drug trade within Syria. The program underscored connections between the estimated multi-billion-dollar industry and the Syrian military, as well as relatives of President Bashar Assad.

In a late-night statement on Saturday, the Syrian Information Ministry explained that the decision was taken after “multiple warnings to the network about airing misleading reports that rely on statements and testimonials from terrorist groups and Syria’s adversaries.”

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Damascus rescinded the permits of the British broadcaster’s radio and TV correspondents in Syria, including their videographer.

In response to the action, the BBC communicated to Big Big News via email that it talks to individuals across the political landscape to verify the facts, underscoring that the outlet delivers “impartial, independent journalism.” The BBC vowed to keep serving its audiences in the Arabic-speaking world with unbiased news and information.

The illegal drug trade, specifically the highly addictive Captagon amphetamine pills, has surged in the turmoil-stricken Syria in recent years. Experts argue that it has served as a revenue stream for the beleaguered economy and sanctioned leadership while wreaking havoc in neighboring Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations.

Captagon is employed for recreational use as well as by those in physically demanding jobs to stay awake, including combatants on the battlefield.

The UK, US, and EU have imposed sanctions on a few drug magnates and Assad’s close associates for their participation in the business.

The Syrian government refutes any participation in Captagon production. A Syrian lawmaker informed AP last month that Syria has been exploited as a conduit for Captagon and other narcotics, blaming the opposition factions for operating the industry.

Following Syria’s restoration of relations with its neighboring nations and reintegration into the Arab sphere, combatting drug smuggling has become a primary subject in regional discussions.

Syria’s revolt, which escalated into a full-blown civil war now in its 13th year, has caused nearly half a million fatalities and displaced 50% of its prewar population of 23 million. Rampant poverty and debilitated infrastructure afflict Syrians in both government-controlled areas and an opposition-held enclave in the northwest of the country.

Jill Lawless, a writer for Big Big News, provided additional reporting from London for this piece.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about BBC’s Press Credentials Revoked by Syria

Why has Syria revoked the BBC’s media accreditation?

The Information Ministry of Syria has rescinded the BBC’s press credentials because it accuses the broadcaster of disseminating biased and fake news in its coverage of Syria, particularly in relation to a recent documentary on the illicit drug trade in the country.

What was the content of the BBC Arabic’s recent investigative documentary?

The BBC Arabic recently aired an investigative documentary highlighting the connections between the estimated multi-billion-dollar illicit drug trade in Syria, the Syrian military, and relatives of President Bashar Assad.

How has the BBC responded to the revocation of their media accreditation in Syria?

In response to the accreditation revocation, the BBC communicated that it talks to individuals from various political backgrounds to establish the facts and emphasized its commitment to deliver impartial, independent journalism. The broadcaster vowed to continue serving its audiences in the Arabic-speaking world with unbiased news and information.

What impact has the illegal drug trade had on Syria and neighboring countries?

The illegal drug trade, specifically involving the highly addictive Captagon amphetamine pills, has surged in Syria in recent years. Experts argue it has provided a revenue stream for the country’s beleaguered economy and sanctioned leadership. However, it has also wreaked havoc in neighboring Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations.

What is the current situation of the civil war in Syria?

Syria’s civil unrest, which escalated into a full-blown civil war now in its 13th year, has caused nearly half a million fatalities and displaced half of its prewar population of 23 million. Rampant poverty and debilitated infrastructure afflict Syrians in both government-controlled areas and an opposition-held enclave in the northwest of the country.

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7 comments

DianaM47 July 9, 2023 - 3:21 pm

Can’t believe what’s happening in Syria… its heartbreaking… 🙁

Reply
newsJunkie89 July 9, 2023 - 7:04 pm

BBC has always been solid… they wouldn’t make false claims.

Reply
paul_revere1776 July 9, 2023 - 8:41 pm

If BBC wasn’t hitting a nerve, they wouldn’t be booted. Keep digging, truth always comes out!

Reply
GlobalCitizen July 9, 2023 - 9:55 pm

damn, the situation in Syria is really bleak. Those poor people…

Reply
RachelS1987 July 10, 2023 - 12:51 am

What’s this Captagon drug? Never heard of it before, sounds serious…

Reply
truthSeeker21 July 10, 2023 - 7:55 am

So now they blame the BBC for ‘fake news’. Hmm, wonder what they’re trying to hide…

Reply
peterParker93 July 10, 2023 - 8:22 am

this is just the tip of the iceberg, there’s more dirty secrets hidden under the surface. mark my words!

Reply

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