Diana Wallis Condemns Reprimand for Euro-fraud Whistleblower
12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 12th Oct 1999
Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Diana Wallis has criticised the European Commission for its decision to reprimand the Dutch auditor whose revelations of fraud ultimately brought down the Jacques Santer administration.
Originally suspended after sending a bombshell dossier to another MEP, Paul van Buitenen will now be allowed to keep his job, though with a formal reprimand against his name.
The Commission panel which reviewed his case claims he broke confidentiality rules and that his 'whistleblower' revelations compromised other attempts to investigate a number of people suspected of fraud. But it admitted that he had consulted his bosses before going public and that reporting arrangements for staff uncovering wrongdoing were 'not clear.'
"This reprimand is totally unjustified." Commented Diana Wallis MEP, "Liberal Democrats believe we need more open government in Europe not less. Mr van Buitenen had the courage of his convictions to put everything he knew out in the open.
"If someone in his position feels there is something wrong they have every right, indeed a duty, to raise it. It is hardly his fault if the reporting structures for dealing fraud allegations are unclear.
"The procedures have now changed, which is a good thing, but why still take a pot shot at the messenger?
"They have even conceded that he did not shoot from the hip - he did raise it with his superiors first but was not satisfied with their response. No-one who reveals genuine evidence of corruption should have to suffer the appalling witch hunt he endured.
"This reprimand will still be on his record and could affect his career. He should instead have had an award for his courage."
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