In light of the recent ouster of Jeff Sessions, global anti-corruption coalition Transparency International calls on US leadership defend the independence and integrity of the investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
The provision of justice free from political interference is core to global anti-corruption efforts. “Any attempt to suppress inquiries or investigations related to the President by the President himself or his staff is cause for serious concern,” said Patricia Moreira, Managing Director of Transparency International.
“We are deeply disturbed about the message this sends to government leaders worldwide,” said Moreira. “Countries that look to the US as an example may feel empowered by any attempts to undermine the Special Counsel investigation, and clamp down on their own independent investigations into alleged corruption and misdeeds by top officials.”
“Given previous statements made by Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker prior to joining the Department of Justice that demonstrate a particular predisposition towards the investigation led by Mr. Mueller, we have serious concerns about his potential oversight of the investigation,” said Zoë Reiter, representative to the US for Transparency International. “We expect any Attorney General of the United States to stand up for the integrity and independence of the Special Counsel, in both word and deed.”
Transparency International calls on the US government to ensure that the Mueller investigation proceeds unhindered and with all the necessary resources and support required by democracy characterised by both rule of law and checks and balances.
