According to articles 20, 37 and 38 of the law, reporting corruption is not just a right, but an obligation. If a person witnesses a corruption crime and does not report it, he shall be penalized. Here lies the importance of reporting corruption. It mirrors society's role in the fight against corruption. Moreover, it should be noted that the law provides protection for whistleblowers. The protection system is strong and efficient.
NAZAHA would like to announce that upon the commencement of its executive regulations, it shall open the door for the public to report corruption. NAZAHA confirms that all reports will be handled with caution and confidentiality. It shall provide comprehensive protection for whistleblowers and witnesses.
These are not merely encouraging words. In fact, NAZAHA is responsible for providing the necessary protection for whistleblowers upon and after submitting their reports. Some forms of protection are:
- Protection commences upon the whistleblowing act or the information request.
- NAZAHA shall provide personal protection, if required, by:
- Concealing the person's identity and replacing it with special codes
- Providing eligible persons with personal guard and following-up their legal affairs and interests for fear that they become compromised and hindered. Persons shall be secured to attend court hearings and investigations in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant bodies. NAZAHA has the right to seek assistance from companies and persons of expertise in this field under a contract.
- Changing the place of residence or work or both, temporarily or permanently, and providing suitable alternatives according to circumstances and needs.
- Changing telephone numbers or putting them under surveillance upon the owner's request and after following the legal procedures in this regard, in addition to providing emergency numbers for distress calls from the protected persons against any possible assault or threat.
- It is allowed, when necessary, that whistleblowers, witnesses, and experts provide their statements using video and telecommunication technology and other means and applications that ensure secrecy and safety, or moving to them to secure places and hear their statements from behind curtains.
- It is not allowed for the whistleblower's employer to implement any procedure against him that alters his legal or administrative position, impairs or deprives him from his rights, stains his status or reputation, or implement any other negative measures or procedures—regardless of their nature—as a result connecting to his role in fighting corruption. The decision or procedure shall be deemed null and void starting from the date of its issuance, and all its effects shall be repealed.
- Anyone who implements a procedure against the whistleblower as a result connected to him reporting a corruption crime shall be the subject to disciplinary action.
- Regardless of the whistleblowing report's result, the Authority [NAZAHA] shall not recourse criminally, civilly, or disciplinary to any whistleblower who believes in good faith that the reported incident is true, as long as he has presented serious evidence to justify that.
- In the event that the whistleblowing report meets the conditions and there has been bodily damage inflicted upon the whistleblower, the Authority is obliged to compensate him.