Greedy officials 'stole' Moroccan quake aid

[dArKeR]

Imzouren, Morocco

02 March 2004 13:49

Greedy officials diverted aid intended for victims of Morocco's deadly earthquake for their own use, according to a local leader and residents of a town where police arrested two people accused of fraudulently manipulating the relief effort.

"I think in the circumstances there are always people who are ready to take advantage of the situation by diverting small or even large quantities for themselves, albeit only on a marginal basis," said Shakir Ashabar, chairperson of local pressure group Attajdid wal Insaf.

He added that the overly centralised system of aid distribution made life easier for the fraudsters.

"There was a certain disorganisation in the way the aid was distributed at the beginning. It was too centralised -- people were still in a state of shock," according to Ashabar.

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