Dr. Liqaa Makki
Senior Researcher at Al Jazeera Centre for Studies
Syria matters deeply to us, and it is going through a difficult and sensitive transitional phase. Under these circumstances, those who spread lies and rumours will do nothing but undermine the state.
People have the right to criticise the performance of public officials, but accusing them of corruption is another matter entirely. Such accusations constitute a crime; indeed, they are tantamount to an act of terrorism. Anyone who possesses evidence should take it to the courts, thereby rendering an invaluable service to their people and their country. Anything else amounts to nothing more than fomenting chaos and undermining the state.
Public officials make mistakes, just like everyone else. As the saying goes, those who do not work do not make mistakes. However, improving the way officials perform their duties is one thing; attacking them through falsehoods and rumours is quite another.
What happened to Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Al-Saleh is an example of this form of terrorism. In terms of its impact and destructive consequences, it is no different from ISIS explosives: both kill and destroy. Indeed, this form of terrorism is even more damaging and dangerous.
The minister is a technocrat, a hardworking and successful young man. Is his success the reason he is being relentlessly attacked, or is this part of a broader pattern targeting the state and all those who serve it?
I acknowledge that my defence of Minister Mohammed Al-Saleh involves a degree of personal bias, as he is a dear friend. However, this also lends credibility to what I am saying: I know the man, his service to his country, his commitment to his responsibilities, and his role in building the state.
Had there been any shortcomings, I would have been the first to draw his attention to them. Naturally, I would not have resorted to the disgraceful methods employed by a small but destructive segment of society.
Syrians should never stop monitoring the state’s performance. However, the power of social media must not be wielded aggressively and irresponsibly, without considering the consequences for the state and society.
