Inter-American Human Rights Court Sets Standards for Protecting Whistleblowers in Corruption Cases

Abstract

The article article discusses the landmark decision by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights concerning Navy Captain Julio Rogelio Viteri Ungaretti, who was retaliated against for exposing corruption within the Ecuadorian military. The Court ruled that Ecuador violated his human rights, specifically the freedom of expression, by punishing and countering his whistleblowing activities. The ruling is significant as it underscores the vital connection between freedom of expression and anti-corruption efforts, setting advanced standards for whistleblower protection within the Inter-American human rights framework. This decision not only extends legal precedents but also reinforces the role of whistleblowers in upholding transparency and accountability in public institutions.

Keywords: whistleblowing, freedom of expression, Inter-American Court of Human Rights, human rights, Corruption