District court ruled that Dalia Budreviciene had been fired by the “Krekenavos agrofirma” illegaly. On behalf of the Human Rights Monitoring Institute D. Budreviciene has been represented by Kestutis Cilinskas, HRMI Board chair.
In addition, the court has awarded D. Budreviciene a one-time compensation amounting to 1116,10 Litas and the average wage for all the time of enforced idleness – 558,05 Litas per month – starting from the day of dismissal until the day the judgment will enter into force.
Kestutis Cilinskas emphasized that decision of the district court is of extraordinary importance, as it protects the free speech and, more specifically, serves as an example for other employees who might have suffered intense fear to speak openly about illegal payment practices.
“Krekenavos agrofirma” fired Ms. Budreviciene in March 2006, after she went public with the information about the illegal payments – “the envelope” practice – and Financial Crime Investigation Service initiated pre-trial investigation. In retaliation, D. Budreviciene was fired and the director has filed a complaint against her for libel. Criminal proceedings in the later case are ongoing.
Read more May 24, April 24, April 20 and March 27 news items, and the news portal Delfi (in Lithuanian).
© 2012 Human Rights Monitoring Institute