Maldives Finance Whistleblower Case Sparks Concern for Protection Laws
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The recent prosecution of Gasim Abdul Kareem, a former manager at the Bank of Maldives, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of whistleblower protection laws in the Maldives. Transparency International and Transparency Maldives are calling on the Prosecutor General to dismiss the case against Kareem, who is being charged for disclosing customer information that exposed a multi-million dollar corruption scandal.
A Courageous Attempt to Expose Corruption
Cobus de Swardt, managing director of Transparency International, believes that Kareem’s actions were a courageous attempt to expose corruption and deserve protection, not prosecution. “Kareem is a man who took action against what he believed was corrupt practice. This behavior should be praised, not punished,” said de Swardt.
A Test for Whistleblower Protection Laws
Mariyam Shiuna, Executive Director of Transparency Maldives, echoes similar sentiments, stating that the case is a test for the country’s whistleblower protection laws. “Instead of encouraging whistleblowing, Kareem’s persecution sends a signal to others who witness corruption that speaking out has severe consequences,” she said.
The Controversy Surrounding Section 44
The controversy revolves around Section 44 of the Maldives Banking Act, which states that actions taken in good faith to prevent corruption and countering money laundering and financing of terrorism cannot be considered unlawful. Despite this protection, Kareem was arrested on February 18 and held without charge for over four months before being released under house arrest.
A Complex Corruption Scandal
The case is linked to a complex multi-million dollar grand corruption scandal involving the selling and leasing of islands and lagoons for tourism, allegedly involving former and current public officials. On September 1, John S. Kiernan, President of the New York City Bar, wrote to the Prosecutor General on Kareem’s behalf, highlighting the protections whistleblowers are entitled to under Maldivian law.
Urging the Prosecutor General to Dismiss the Case
Transparency International and Transparency Maldives are urging the Prosecutor General to dismiss the case against Kareem and uphold the country’s whistleblower protection laws. The organizations believe that this would send a positive signal about the country’s commitment to combating corruption and protecting those who speak out against it.
Key Points:
- Gasim Abdul Kareem, a former manager at the Bank of Maldives, is being prosecuted for disclosing customer information that exposed a multi-million dollar corruption scandal.
- Transparency International and Transparency Maldives are calling on the Prosecutor General to dismiss the case against Kareem.
- The case raises concerns about the effectiveness of whistleblower protection laws in the Maldives.
- Section 44 of the Maldives Banking Act provides protection for actions taken in good faith to prevent corruption, but Kareem was arrested and held without charge despite this protection.