Jaanus Karilaid, Center's whip at the Riigikogu said that the party is not ready to support the so-called whistleblower act, at the moment still at draft bill phase, as prepared by the Ministry of Justice in its current form.
"The Center Party is very critical of this bill; it has been greatly expanded. We have enough channels today through which to report violations or possible crimes. We have to think about how to proceed, Center does not agree with it as it stands at present. Discussions are continuing," he said.
Karilaid stressed that his MPs have not completely rejected the bill, but is trying to make it clearer. "He has now received the label of such a draft complaint, and if you look inside it, it will even be credible," he said.
"Nowadays, there are sufficient hotlines to report to, for instance the central criminal police, the prosecutor's office, and the Police and Border Guard Board. Integrity of a source is adequately enough guaranteed these days, and there is no persecution, plus we need to ensure that we do not encourage excessive levels of redress. We must ensure a transparent and fair atmosphere, so that there is no longer one of fear," Karilaid continued.
Center's MPs have reportedly agreed to proceed with the bill if amendments amenable both to the party and the justice ministry are taken in.
Maris Lauri (Reform) is justice minister; ministers do not sit in the Riigikogu.
The bill has passed its first Riigikogu and is scheduled to enter into force on...
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