The Panama Papers scandal continues to spark calls for transparency and accountability. Investigations are underway left, right and centre. But before Panama, was LuxLeaks – leaked documents and confidential information led to the exposure of arrangements and tax deals that benefitted up to 350 companies. Commencing yesterday, three men implicated in the leaks are on trial in Luxembourg. Antoine Deltour, a former auditor of PricewaterhouseCoopers, fellow employee, Raphael Halet, and investigative journalist, Edouard Perrin, could face up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to €1,250,000.
The trial has stirred international debate and calls for greater protection of the anonymity of whistleblowers. Michel Sapin has publicly offered solidarity to the whistleblowers, stating, like many others, that their actions were in the public interests, and should therefore be protected. Calls have been made for the review of whistleblower protection laws, both in Luxembourg and across the EU.
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http://www.transparency.org/news/feature/luxleaks_whistleblowers_like_antoine_deltour_should_be_celebrated
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36135626