Source: NSS posuzoval případ whistleblowera a rozhodl v jeho prospěch — Nejvyšší správní soud
A higher court in the Czech Republic has ruled in favor of a whistleblower, confirming his status and rights under the EU Directive. The Supreme Administrative Court upheld the judgment of the Prague City Court, confirming that Pavel Kodym was subjected to a retaliatory measure when his reappointment as director of the Office for Access to Transport Infrastructure was withdrawn. The proposal was rescinded after Kodym sent a letter to the European Commission highlighting a suspicious transaction between the state and České dráhy (“Czech Railways”).
The ruling is final, and the Ministry of Transport has no further options to appeal. This decision reinforces whistleblower protections, including for high-ranking public officials.
Jan Dupák, Chief Lawyer at Transparency International Czech Republic said:
“The judgment of the Supreme Administrative Court could be important for other whistleblowers because it confirms that in the event of a legal dispute, the burden of proof shifts. The court also explicitly said that even high-ranking public officials can be protected and that it is not necessary to file a report through dedicated reporting channels to be granted protection. It is a good sign that the Czech courts are able to work with whistleblower protection and do not question the provisions of the Directive and the law.”
To learn more about this case and other whistleblower cases, visit the new database established by the Whistleblowing Centre.