(August 15, 2003) Lesotho’s Court of Appeal has reduced the R22-million fine imposed by the High Court of Lesotho on Canadian company Acres International, convicted of bribing the former head of one of Africa’s biggest water projects.
Canadian firm loses appeal against Lesotho bribery conviction
(August 15, 2003) Canadian engineering firm Acres International has lost its appeal against a bribery conviction in a major African water project.
Canadian engineering multinational loses appeal in Lesotho bribery conviction
(August 15, 2003) Acres International, an Oakville, Ont.-based engineering firm, lost its appeal today against a bribery conviction in a Lesotho court. Acres had been found guilty of paying an official to win contracts in one of Africa’s largest water supply projects, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Appeal Judgment – Crown v. Acres International Ltd.
(August 15, 2003) The Lesotho Court of Appeal judgment in full, confirming the conviction of Acres International Limited on Count 1 and setting aside the conviction on Count 2.
British court denies request to halt Belize dam construction
(August 15, 2003) A London court denied a petition from environmental groups to halt construction on a
hydroelectric dam in a rain forest in Belize.
Iraq Revenue Watch
(August 14, 2003) Iraq Revenue Watch is a new monitoring project dedicated to promoting transparency in the management of Iraq’s oil revenues and to ensuring the benefits of national oil wealth flow to the people of Iraq.
Decision on Canadian firm’s appeal expected tomorrow
(August 14, 2003) A decision is expected tomorrow on an appeal launched by Canadian engineering company Acres International against its conviction and R22-million fine for corruption in relation to one of Africa’s largest water supply projects.
SARS and falun gong provide pretexts for Three Gorges arrests
China has used both the SARS health crisis and the crackdown on the falun gong spiritual movement as reasons to detain migrants who dare to complain about the Three Gorges resettlement operation.
PRESS RELEASE Acres’ landmark bribery conviction upheld
(August 15, 2003) Acres International, an Oakville, Ont.-based engineering firm, lost its appeal today against a bribery conviction in a Lesotho court. Acres had been found guilty of paying an official to win contracts in one of Africa’s largest water supply projects, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
UPDATE – AES pulls out of $580 million Uganda dam project
(August 13, 2003) Independent power producer AES Corp., has pulled out of a World Bank sponsored dam project in Uganda, raising questions about the future of the controversial plan.
Privy Council decision on request to halt Belize dam construction (PDF format)
(August 13, 2003) Britain’s Privy Council concludes that “the grant of an injunction at this stage would entail a greater risk of ultimate injustice than its refusal.”
The slippery slope: Confusion surrounds shape of the reservoir
A lively discussion on an official Chinese Web site has highlighted an issue with potentially huge implications for Three Gorges resettlement and public safety that appears to have confused even the experts.
The taint of the greased palm (Part II)
(August 10, 2003) Officials rarely solicit bribes. Instead, they work so slowly, sloppily and arbitrarily that people see no hope of getting the services they are entitled to without offering a tip “pa’ el refresco,” literally, “for a soda.”
The taint of the greased palm (Part I)
(August 10, 2003) In Mexico, just as sure as a new leader’s pledge to clean up the corruption of his predecessor is the certainty that his successor will, in a few years, be doing the same.
Spain to host donors’ meeting in fall
(August 7, 2003) Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has announced that Spain will host the international donors’ conference for Iraq this autumn. Although a conference date has not been set, a preparatory meeting will take place in September.
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