Maldives Adopts Whistleblower Protection Laws Following High-Profile Scandal
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A Landmark Move towards Transparency and Accountability
In a significant step forward for transparency and accountability, the Maldives has enacted whistleblower protection laws. This legislation provides crucial safeguards for citizens who expose corruption and wrongdoing, following a major scandal in 2016 that exposed massive corruption involving government officials and businessmen.
The Gasim Abdul Kareem Case
Regional manager Gasim Abdul Kareem was arrested in February 2016 for leaking bank statements that revealed a scheme to sell islands at below-market rates and funnel millions of dollars into private accounts. Despite facing retaliation, Gasim’s disclosures led to the conviction of President Abdulla Yameen on charges of money laundering.
- Gasim spent four months in prison before being charged and tried behind closed doors.
- Transparency Maldives, a local anti-corruption organization, provided critical support to Gasim’s legal defense, arguing that he was a whistleblower rather than a criminal.
- The advocacy group’s efforts helped raise international attention to Gasim’s case, with Transparency International’s secretariat in Berlin enlisting the New York Bar Association to urge the Maldivian authorities to consider the good-faith basis of his actions.
The Advocacy Efforts
Transparency Maldives launched a campaign to raise awareness about whistleblowing, producing graphics, videos, and articles calling for Gasim’s protection rather than prosecution. The organization also:
- Provided critical support to Gasim’s legal defense.
- Consulted with Transparency International’s secretariat and Irish chapter on drafting a whistleblower protection bill.
- Worked closely with ministers on an official bill after the new government took office in 2018.
The New Law
The Maldivian parliament passed the whistleblower protection law in October 2019, and the president quickly ratified it into law. The legislation provides protections for all Maldivian citizens who are witnesses to corruption in the workplace. Gasim’s brave act not only exposed a massive scandal but made it safer for his fellow citizens to speak out against wrongdoing.
Next Steps
Despite progress, there is still work to be done. Gasim struggled to find employment due to his criminal record and deserves a full exoneration. Transparency Maldives continues to raise awareness about whistleblowing and monitor the country to ensure the new law is effective in protecting whistleblowers.
- For those considering blowing the whistle on wrongdoing, it’s essential to seek advice before doing so to ensure they are protected under the law.
- Transparency International’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Centres (ALACs) provide free and confidential legal advice to witnesses and victims of corruption.