Chiba Bar Association Offers ⁣Free ​Whistleblowing Consultation Session

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Chairman Kazuto Iwahashi (left) and others explain the ​whistleblowing system in Chuo Ward, Chiba City

The⁣ Chiba Bar Association is set to hold a free telephone consultation session on‍ whistleblowing. The event ⁢aims to provide support and ​guidance to individuals ‌who have reported⁣ or are considering reporting ⁣wrongdoing.

Chairman Kazuto Iwahashi ​of the ‍whistleblowing support committee emphasized the importance of understanding the law to protect those who have the courage to​ make a report. “We want ⁢people to understand how​ the‌ law works, so​ that⁤ we can protect those who have the courage to make a report.”

Committee vice-chairman Ishikawa ⁣Koichiro highlighted the purpose of the consultation meeting,⁢ stating,​ “The purpose​ of the consultation meeting is to prevent whistleblowers from being put in a situation where they would ⁣end their own life.”

The Whistleblower Protection Act prohibits whistleblowers ⁢from being treated unfavorably. However, in cases where an external‌ report is made without “reasonableness” to back up the facts, it may not be recognized ⁣as a whistleblower.

The Prefectural Bar Association established the Whistleblower Support Committee​ in August⁤ 2018. The committee accepts phone consultations on the third Thursday of every month. ‍However, the⁤ number of⁢ consultations ⁤has been low, with only 12 consultations received in fiscal 2023.

The committee believes there are many cases where ⁣whistleblowers are treated unfavorably ⁣and wants to “dig up the damage.” The consultation ⁢group will provide⁤ consultation for people who are considering whistleblowing, as well ‌as those who have⁣ suffered disadvantage⁣ after reporting.

The session will run from 1:00 ⁢pm to 7:00 pm on the 26th. Two lawyers will be assigned to each person seeking advice. Chairman Iwahashi encourages⁤ individuals to reach out, saying, ⁢”Please don’t worry alone. We ‍will ⁣accept anonymous calls.” The phone number for the ‍session is 043 (222) 7016.