Fitiris confirms no central oversight of public-sector whistleblowing channels

Nicosia, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris has confirmed that Cyprus has no central body supervising public-sector internal whistleblowing channels and that his ministry does not compile data on retaliation complaints. He set out the arrangements and legal protections in a written reply to Limassol MP Michalis Paraskevas.

Responsibility rests with individual authorities

Fitiris explained that each ministry, service or department treats the running of its internal reporting channels as its own administrative responsibility. He said neither the applicable EU directive nor domestic law requires a central oversight body.

The justice ministry said it had written to the competent authorities about their obligations. It had also placed a list on its website showing which authorities citizens can approach with reports.

On retaliation complaints, the ministry said it does not gather information because neither the directive nor national law requires such data to be provided to the European Commission.

Confidentiality and court remedies

Fitiris said the legislation safeguards the confidentiality of both whistleblowers’ identities and the identities of people named in their reports.

He explained that whistleblowers facing retaliation can ask the competent court to overturn the measures and award compensation. Under the law, retaliatory measures are invalid, while a court may order reinstatement for employees dismissed for making a report.

The minister also outlined provisions preserving the anonymity of whistleblowers who are called as witnesses in criminal proceedings.