Latest news with #misuseofpower
Telegraph
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
WHO regional head placed on leave amid corruption allegations
A regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO) has been placed on leave after being charged with fraud, forgery and misuse of power. Saima Wazed, the daughter of Bangladesh's ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, was elected as head of the WHO's South East Asia (SEARO) regional office in November 2023. But the victory was marred by claims her mother used her influence to garner support, and the 52-year-old Ms Wazed was charged by Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission in March. The authorities have since seized some of her assets. Among the accusations against her are claims that she forged documents while campaigning to become the regional director, and leveraged her political ties to channel some $2.7 million through a Bangladesh non-profit that she chairs called the Shuchona Foundation. A spokesperson for the WHO said: 'WHO's Regional Director, SEARO, Saima Wazed, is currently on leave. During this period, Dr Catharina Boehme is serving as Officer-in-Charge.' Ms Wazed did not respond to questions from The Telegraph and has not commented publicly on the WHO's decision. Her brother, Sajeeb Wazed, previously described the corruption investigation as a 'smear campaign' by the new Bangladesh administration, headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. An unnamed official from Mr Yunus' administration told the Financial Times that Ms Wazed's removal is an 'important first step towards accountability' and 'restores integrity to this prestigious role'. The WHO's SEARO region is headquartered in India. Since a warrant was issued for Ms Wazed's arrest in Bangladesh she's been unable to return, while the country's WHO office has reportedly refused to work with her as regional-director. Her ability to travel to other places in the region has also been curtailed. SEARO is one of six WHO regions, and covers two billion people in 10 countries – in May this year, Indonesia swapped to be part of the Western Pacific region instead. It has an annual budget of more than $500 million (£371 million), and has a significant role in health-related policies and programmes across the area.
CBS News
30-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Miami commission meeting erupts over allegations of abuse, extortion and "weaponization of government"
A City of Miami Commission meeting meant to address internal misuse of power quickly spiraled into chaos this week, with commissioners trading accusations, members of the public shouting over one another and one official referring to the hearing as a "kangaroo court." Carollo and Gabela clash over code enforcement The meeting was called by Commissioner Miguel Gabela to address what he described as the "weaponization of government," specifically accusing fellow Commissioner Joe Carollo of using city code enforcement officers to target three of Gabela's properties. "We have a resolution so (that if) Mr. Carollo or somebody like Mr. Carollo ever comes into city government again (he or she) cannot weaponize ever again," Gabela said during the session. Carollo dismissed the accusations as a distraction tactic and provided property appraisal photos he claimed showed too many boats and cars outside Gabela's rental properties. "By creating this smokescreen that (Gabela is) trying to do, does he think that he can get away with this?" Carollo responded. He described the hearing as a "kangaroo court" and accused Gabela of more serious misconduct. "First of all do you guys give a crap that what he's done is illegal? He gets away with it. He threatened to fire the city manager and extort him," Carollo said. Gabela submitted folders of documents to the city attorney, which he said prove Carollo's misuse of code enforcement power. Gabela maintains he has done nothing wrong. Public reaction turns heated Dozens of frustrated taxpayers also weighed in during public comment, many of them critical of Carollo. "You're weaponizing government by targeting Commissioner Gabela's properties," one woman told Carollo. Tensions escalated further when two people preparing to speak began arguing and had to be calmed by the sergeant-at-arms. Later, a speaker showed a video by filmmaker Billy Corben depicting individuals in chicken costumes being arrested for heckling Carollo. Several residents accused Carollo of using code enforcement officers to intimidate restaurant owners as well. Bob Powers, a taxpayer who attended the meeting, left visibly frustrated. "Really how they're operating right now, it's terrifying people," Powers said. "It has nothing to do with all (things happening) between (Commissioners Carollo and Gabela) being angry at each other to be honest with you. It has to do with four or five different agencies of the city not communicating with each other." Calls for refocus on public needs While the commissioners aired grievances and the public vented concerns, the broader takeaway for many was the need for less political infighting and more focus on city governance. "It has nothing to do with being angry at each other," Powers said. "It has to do with the government failing to work together for the people."
