Following investigative reports published by *Zaman Al-Wasl* that exposed corruption and administrative violations, the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums announced the suspension of restoration and investment operations at the historic Al-Zahrawi Palace in Homs.
**Official Statements and Admission of Violations**
In exclusive comments to *Syria TV*, Ayman Nabo, Deputy Director-General of Antiquities and Museums, confirmed that official directives had been issued to immediately halt restoration work at Al-Zahrawi Palace and to conduct an urgent on-site inspection.
Nabo explained that the suspension would remain in effect until all details of the restoration process were examined and compliance with the strict technical standards required for archaeological sites was verified.
He acknowledged legal issues the Directorate faced when the Ministry of Culture put the palace up for investment. He noted that, following several meetings, the palace was designated for investment; however, concerns regarding key contract clauses later led to reservations being raised and the contract being returned to the Ministry.
The Deputy Director-General also explicitly admitted that errors and legal violations had marred the investment process, emphasizing the need to review the outdated laws governing this sector.
Public and media voices have since argued that halting the work alone is insufficient; Urgent calls are emerging for the activation of legal accountability measures and the prosecution of everyone involved in signing and attending to those suspicious contracts—spanning the entire administrative hierarchy of the Ministry of Culture, from bottom to top—to ensure that no negligent party escapes punishment and to deter any further attempts to compromise Syrian heritage and cultural assets.
Zaman al-Wasl
Comments About This Article
Please fill the fields below.