Public debate on whistleblower protection bill

BELGRADE - A public debate on the whistleblower protection bill, which is due to be adopted after the elections by the new parliament in May, was held at the Appellate Court in Nis on Friday.

Radomir Ilic, advisor to the minister of justice and public administration, told reporters that the law on the protection of whistleblowers will be an alliance between the citizens and the government in the fight against corruption.

He said that this kind of law will be adopted in Serbia for the first time so as to protect the courageous people, who are ready to report corruption, and prevent retribution against whistleblowers.

The law will establish a mechanism of court protection, Ilic said, adding that according to its regulations a suit will be filed in case of a retribution, and the court will be due to adopt a temporary measure to prevent the retribution.

Vladimir Radomirovic, editor of the website Pistaljka (Whistle) and member of the working group for the whistleblower protection law draft, said that two whistleblowers have been engaged in the law drafting process.

Speaking about the experience in reporting corruption, he underlined that in the previous period the majority of tip-offs came from Belgrade and referred to abuses in hiring new employees and public procurement.

Those who reported corruption lost their jobs or they were transferred to lower-paid jobs, but they became heroes once their acts were brought to light and they gained acclaim by the wider community, Radomirovic said.

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