A petition initiated by the Stop Corruption Foundation condemns the intimidation of Zuzana Dlugošová, Chair of the Office for Whistleblower Protection, and calls for the protection of independent public officials against politically motivated retaliation. The petition responds to Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák’s threats of legal action against Dlugošová after her office penalised the Interior Ministry for unlawfully suspending National Criminal Agency (NAKA) investigators with whistleblower protection status.
Petition Translation:
WE CONDEMN ATTACKS ON THE CHAIR OF THE WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION OFFICE, ZUZANA DLUGOŠOVÁ.
We, the citizens of the Slovak Republic, strongly condemn the intimidation of Zuzana Dlugošová, Chair of the Whistleblower Protection Office, and of other independent public officials, judges, investigators, and prosecutors.
Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák recently stated in a political discussion that Zuzana Dlugošová would face criminal charges. This declaration followed the office’s decision to fine the Ministry of Interior for breaking the law by suspending National Criminal Agency (NAKA) investigators with protected whistleblower status without the office’s consent. Kaliňák’s claims included multiple falsehoods, notably asserting that a court ruled Dlugošová fraudulently granted whistleblower protection status. However, decisions on protection status are issued by the prosecutor’s office, not by her office, and no court has declared the whistleblower status to be “fraudulently” awarded.
Kaliňák’s statements regarding the criminal complaint thus represent yet another unacceptable act of intimidation against an independent public official performing her duties impartially and making decisions contrary to the preferences of government officials.
Attacks by political leaders on public officials who act lawfully and independently set a dangerous precedent, undermining the fundamental principles of the rule of law. They also send a warning signal to all who might stand up for truth and justice. Public officials must have the right to fulfil their duties without fear of political retaliation.
We call on members of the National Council to ensure the protection of the independence of public institutions and to stand against any form of intimidation or abuse of power towards independent officials. We also urge political leaders to respect the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the prosecution service, and other institutions, and to refrain from actions that undermine citizens’ trust in democracy and the rule of law.
Source: Zuzana Petková | mojapeticia.sk
