WASHINGTON -- Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) this week introduced a private bill for the relief of Vitaly Stepanov and Yuliya Stepanova to provide them permanent residence status in the United States.
Both Vitaly and Yuliya, as well as their infant son Robert, were forced to flee their home nation of Russia in 2014 after exposing Russia’s widespread, state-sponsored doping program before the 2016 Summer Olympics. The information the Stepanov’s shared led to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now World Athletics, barring Russia from the track and field events at the Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The introduction of this bill comes at the conclusion of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, China, where once again, Russia is in the news cycle for doping violations. In the spirit of protecting athletes abroad and upholding clean international sport, the Helsinki Commission continues to take action to look out for and provide safe haven to whistleblowers.
“Courageous whistleblowers, like Vitaly and Yuliya, should not have to fear for their lives for doing the right thing. They knew what was at risk when they chose to expose Russia’s state-sponsored doping program and remained steadfast in their commitment to protect clean athletes. Their courage and selflessness have helped to hold bad actors accountable and maintain a higher sense of integrity in international sport. I believe it is the duty of the United...
A wave of pro-whistleblower opinions from federal judges suggests the False Claims Act remains on solid ground despite pointed questions from leading conservative judicial voices. Whistleblowers, ...