Source: portugal.gov.pt
The Portuguese government has introduced its National Strategy Against Corruption which foresees mechanisms to protect whistleblowers, following the tenet EU Directive on whistleblowing Directive. The draft proposal opens up the possibility that any defendant of economic and financial crimes may have immunity from imprisonment if he confesses or helps bring evidence to light for law enforcement. The proposal also introduces the possibility for private companies to pay fines if they do not adopt anti-corruption arrangements. One of the main goals is to develop a general corruption prevention regime which provides for the implementation of the Directive, within public and medium or large private companies as well as programmes aimed at preventing and detecting illicit practices (so-called compliance programs). It also protects managers and workers who report malpractice (as required by the Directive.) The document is open to public consultation until October 20th.