Protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of a whistleblower in connection with reporting information about a corruption or corruption-related offense

  Protection of rights and freedoms of a person who reported a corruption or corruption-related offense is an important aspect of anti-corruption policy.

  The whistleblower has the right to:

• free secondary legal aid;
• independent involvement of a lawyer;
• reimbursement of costs for attorney services and court fees in connection with the protection of the rights of a person as a whistleblower.

  The lawyer must warn the whistleblowerthat reports of corruption offences should be truthful and supported by evidence. Reporting corruption must be done in good faith and based on reliable information.

⚠ False reports may result in liability under the Law.

The lawyer must explain to the client the main aspects of the whistleblower's legal protection, namely:

1. Confidentiality and anonymity

   • Information about the whistleblower may be disclosed only with his consent, except in cases established by law.

2. Protection from persecution

   • It is prohibited:
     • release;
     • transfer;
     • demotion;
     • disciplinary action;
     • other negative measures of influence on the whistleblower in connection with his report.

3. Exemption from liability

   • Exposer is released from civil liability for damage caused by the message, except in cases of knowingly providing false information.

4. Right to receive information

   • The whistleblower has the right to receive information about:
     • registration and acceptance of the message;
     • the results of its consideration.

5. Right to remuneration

   • Under certain conditions, a whistleblower is entitled to remuneration.
   • The possibility of receiving a reward depends on various factors, including: the significance of the information provided.

⚠ It is important to note that the protection extends not only to the whistleblower himself, but also to his loved ones.

The role of a lawyer in defending a whistleblower:

• checks the information received from the whistleblower for compliance with legal requirements;
• helps to prepare a report on a corruption offense;
• takes other necessary actions regarding protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of the whistleblower.

  Whistleblower protection is an important element of creation a transparent and accountable society, free from corruption.