JTC, JAB Programme to improve witness, whistleblower protection in corruption cases

AMMAN — The Jordan Transparency Centre (JTC), Jordan Audit Bureau (JAB) and other official institutions on Monday launched a project funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) to enhance the protection of witnesses, whistleblowers and experts in corruption cases.

During the launch ceremony, JAB Secretary General Ibrahim Majali said that the bureau is an oversight institution as per the law and is tasked with monitoring state revenues, ways of expenditure and protecting public money, and acts as a monitoring arm of the legislative authority, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Majali said that data and information received at the bureau are confidential, and it is not permitted for anyone to reach them but through the law, noting that several amendments were made to the bureau's law to enhance its work and add new specialisations. 

He pointed out that 90 per cent of complaints received by JAB are not valid, and that the bureau only considers the remaining 10 per cent.

MP Omar Ayasra stressed the importance of the project in securing protection for witnesses and whistleblowers, noting that witnesses do not have to bring up evidence, which is the responsibility of relevant authorities. 

Canadian Ambassador Tarik Ali Khan noted that Jordan and Canada see eye-to-eye on various issues, adding that the project seeks to enhance protection for witnesses in a bid to reach "immunity against corruption".

JTC CEO Hilda Ojeilat thanked donors and said that the project will offer a training programme, seminars and an educational media campaign.