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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Prime Minister Bishr Khasawneh on Sunday emphasized his government's support for the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (IACC) to combat all forms of corruption and protect public funds.

During a visit to the commission, the Prime Minister said that the IACC is a key element of the system highlighted in the royal letter of designation which indicated that the essence of justice and equality lies in promoting the rule of law and the values of transparency and accountability to ultimately provide assurance that public funds are protected against transgressions.

Khasawneh highlighted the government's commitment to the independence of the commission and its support for the public system that targets anti-corruption and promotes the values of integrity in the Jordanian society, underscoring readiness to cooperate with the IACC to bridge some gaps in legislation that may allow corrupt practices or practices that waste public money.

IACC's Chairman Muhannad Hijazi noted that the visit indicates the government's commitment to boosting the commission's role to combat corruption under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

He indicated that the commission is also mandated with cementing the national integrity system and good governance and preventing all forms of corruption, pointing out that a new strategy will be launched within a month from now to re-evaluate the national integrity standards.

Speaking on an amendment to the commission's law, Hijazi said the draft law includes provisions that criminalize political money (vote buying), character assassination and money laundering resulting from corruption crimes, in addition to giving the commission the authority to make settlements.

On the IACC's achievements, Hijazi stated that the commission recovered JD151 million in 2019, adding that the number of cases it investigated was 948, of which 277 were referred to the Public Prosecutor, while 171 cases are still being processed. He said the remaining 500 cases were reserved due to either malicious claims, lack of subject matter jurisdiction, or have been remedied.

In 2020, the number of cases reached 1,289, of which 150 were referred to the Public Prosecutor, 793 cases are being processed, while 346 are reserved.