Endowment Fund Against Corruption Awards First Whistleblowers

March 23, 2011

Ambassador Norman Eisen speaks on the occasion of launching Anti-Corruption Endowment Fund.

With U.S. Ambassador Norman Eisen sharing the podium, the Anti-Corruption Endowment Fund (Nadační fond proti korupci, NFPK) officially launched on March 23, 2011 its activities.  Its aims are to support the exposure of corrupt practices in public administration, to support projects that expose corruption, to support resolution of corruption cases, and to support and contribute to building ethical values in a democratic society.

Founder and chairman Karel Janecek said: “We cannot accept corruption as a fundamental principle in this country no longer.  It’s time to revolt against this unacceptable practice.” The other members of the fund’s board are Stanislav Bernard, brewing industry entrepreneur; Jan Kraus, TV host; Tomas Sedlacek, senior economic analyst; and Karel Randak, former head of the Civilian Intelligence Agency.

Ambassador Eisen said at the press conference: “I believe that everybody has a right to live in a country without corruption, so you are fighting for an important human right.  “He also noted that it is important to make a system of supporting whistle-blowers. “I’m glad that I’m in Prague at a time when Czech civic society starts to act against corruption,” said Eisen adding that corruption threatens economic cooperation, discourages foreign investors, reduces labor productivity and limits jobs.

The main criterion for the awards is exposure of corruption of significant economic impact. The first awardees are Libor Michalek, former director of the National Environment Fund (Statni fond zivotniho prostredi, SFZP), for reporting apparent bribery at the fund; and attorney Ondrej Zavodsky who reported nontransparent procurement at Service Department of the Interior Ministry. 

Janecek commented: “These gentlemen risked their own future and regardless of a lack of legal protection they reported suspicions of corruption at their offices.  The reward for bravery and decency cannot be the sack.” 

Michalek was awarded a check for CZK 500,000 (about USD 29,000) and Zavodsky for CZK 100,000 (about USD 5,700).