The Lower House on Thursday
approved a bill introducing special protection for
whistleblowers in the public and private sectors with 281 votes
in favour, 71 against and 18 abstentions.
The bill will now pass to the Senate for its second reading.
The provisions, born of proposals presented by the
Democratic Party (PD) of Premier Matteo Renzi and the
anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), have are reportedly
watered down with respect to the original draft.
Whistleblowers who report alleged illegal conduct to the
national anti-corruption authority or judicial authorities would
be granted the right to anonymity and protection from sanctions,
firing or discrimination, but would not receive a 'reward'.
Reports would have to be made on the basis of "reasonable
conviction founded on factual elements" - in other words, the
report would need to be in good faith.
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