Proposed Law Offers Incentives and Protections for Whistleblowers Exposing Corruption
The Anti-Corruption Agency has introduced a new draft law that aims to provide protection for citizens reporting corruption acts. The draft law, titled “On the Protection of Persons Reporting Corruption Offenses,” guarantees various protections for whistleblowers.
According to the draft law, informants will be protected from persecution and discrimination. Specific guarantees include protection for life, health, personal and business reputation, and property, as well as the non-disclosure of personal and confidential information to third parties. Additionally, informants will be provided with necessary legal assistance and safeguarded against actions of revenge, such as illegal persecution and punishment.
The law does not apply to situations involving the protection of individuals providing confidential assistance to investigative activities. Informants have the discretion to report corruption offenses to their employer, the anti-corruption department, the Agency for Countering Corruption, as well as state and law enforcement agencies.
The Anti-Corruption Agency will establish a centralized electronic system for registration and analysis of messages from informants. If legislative violations related to informant protection are identified, the agency will report them to the relevant state organization for corrective action and appropriate disciplinary measures.
Employers are prohibited from unjustly punishing or discriminating against informants. This includes limitations on career advancement, changes in position, distribution of information, and discrimination in wages and incentives. The law also outlines rewards for informants as per legislation.
Decisions regarding informant protection will be made by various state bodies, including the Agency for Countering Corruption, law enforcement agencies, and the court. In cases where informants fear persecution or violence, protective measures will be implemented by state bodies.
The security of informants will be ensured by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Security Service, National Guard, and their regional bodies. The draft law is currently open for public discussion until May 2 of this year.
