General NewsMiddle EastSyriaWorld News Syria Withdraws BBC’s Press Credentials and Charges it with Dissemination of ‘Fake News’ by Ryan Lee July 9, 2023 written by Ryan Lee July 9, 2023 7 comments Bookmark 138 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.” IN OTHER NEWS Pope Francis announces 21 new cardinals, including clerics from Hong Kong and Jerusalem. UN Secretary-General warns of impending ‘full-scale civil war’ in Sudan after almost 3 months of conflict. Ukraine and environmental issues to headline discussions when Biden engages with UK politicians and royalty. NATO’s solidarity to be challenged at summit in Vilnius. Damascus rescinded the permits of the British broadcaster’s radio and TV correspondents in Syria, including their videographer.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. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about BBC’s Press Credentials Revoked by SyriaWhy has Syria revoked the BBC’s media accreditation?What was the content of the BBC Arabic’s recent investigative documentary?How has the BBC responded to the revocation of their media accreditation in Syria?What impact has the illegal drug trade had on Syria and neighboring countries?What is the current situation of the civil war in Syria?More about BBC’s Press Credentials Revoked by Syria 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. More about BBC’s Press Credentials Revoked by Syria BBC’s official response to Syria’s accusation BBC Arabic’s Investigative Documentary Situation of Civil War in Syria Information about the illicit drug trade in Syria Syria’s statement about BBC’s media accreditation revocation Overview of the Captagon amphetamine crisis You Might Be Interested In Morocco debates how to rebuild from September quake that killed thousands Blinken: Russia’s Withdrawal Essential for Ukraine Cease-Fire and Peace Deal Bus full of seniors heading to a casino in Canada collides with truck, killing 15 people 1-2-3 and counting: Las Vegas weddings could hit record on New Year’s Eve thanks to date’s pattern Justices teach when the Supreme Court isn’t in session. It can double as an all-expenses-paid trip The Implications of Sam Altman’s Recent Leadership Changes at OpenAI for the Industry’s Future Bashar AssadBBCFake NewsGeneral NewsIllicit Drug TradeMedia AccreditationMiddle EastSyria Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Ryan Lee Follow Author Ryan Lee is a technology journalist who covers the latest trends and developments in the world of tech. He is passionate about new gadgets and software, and he enjoys testing and reviewing the latest products to hit the market. previous post Mets and Padres Prepare for Deciding Game of Series next post Texas Sheriff Faces Accusations of Corruption and Dysfunction in Wake of Mass Shooting You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 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 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ