Latest news with #WitnessProtectionProgramme
Metro
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
My girlfriend says she's in Witness Protection due to a bombshell past
When does a traumatic past stop sounding tragic and start to sound made up? That's what this week's reader is trying to figure out. His girlfriend has told him stories of abuse, cancer, living under a fake name, and even claimed to be homeless at one point. It seems like every week there's a new drama. His friends are urging him to face the fact that her tales might not be true. But he's clinging onto the hope that she's an honest person. Read the advice below, but before you go, make sure to read last week's dilemma, where a reader found out her husband is cheating – despite her doing everything for him. For the last 16 months I've been 'seeing' a gorgeous girl I'm really keen on, who lives the other end of the country. We met when she was in my town on business and immediately hit it off. We message and facetime frequently, but our relationship is mostly on-line. This has been complicated by the fact that she has regular cancer treatment, so is often not available to talk to me or see me, as her treatment is tiring and debilitating. Bit by bit she has told me her backstory, which is horrific – if it's true. She told me she was abused by a paedophile ring as a child, with the full cooperation of her mother. She has since testified against the perpetrators and as a result of that, she's in the Witness Protection Programme, which means she can only tell me her 'new' name, not her real birth name. She also told me she has a young son but he's had to go into care, because she ended up living in her car when a previous boyfriend kicked her out (he was cheating) and that her son has been abused in the care home. She also told me that his best friend had died by suicide. I could go on. X Factor icon Diana Vickers and Metro's dating expert Alice Giddings dive into your wildest sex, love, and dating dilemmas – every Tuesday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube. And be sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can also join the fun on our WhatsApp Group Chat here – share your dilemmas and Diana and Alice may just give you a call. It feels like every time I talk to her there's another drama. She has stressed multiple times that everything she tells me is confidential, but I've confided in a few friends who think it's all fantasy nonsense. So far, she hasn't asked me for any money, and I really want to believe that she's a truthful and honest person. It's just the regularity of the bad news that has me asking questions. I've had to edit your email as it was so long and full of your girlfriend's breathtaking stories, it would have taken up at least three of my columns in its full form. I hate to be cynical, but the sheer volume of terrible things that have befallen this woman leave me in no doubt that your friends are right with their description of 'fantasy nonsense'. Let's just examine a couple of things she's told you, beginning with the fact that she's supposedly in the Witness Protection Programme – and yet has willingly shared this highly confidential information. Does that ring true to you? By the way, in this country it's referred to as the UK Protected Persons Service (UKPPS), so I wonder whether she's just been watching too many American detective films. Then there's the story about her living in her car, while she supposedly has cancer. There is so much support for cancer sufferers in this country, I find this tale impossible to believe. Anyway, where were her UKPPS support workers in her hour of need? Fantasists like this are rare and you've been unlucky, but you've been gullible too. Maybe you are so desperate for commitment that you've slightly lost sight of common sense. You say she hasn't asked you for money, but she might eventually; on the other hand, it may just be about power, and the 'fun' of manipulating your emotions. More Trending My advice is to end things with her and look for a real relationship with someone who lives closer. Adopt a more sceptical approach next time you hear wild stories, and listen to your friends. They have your best interests at heart. Laura is a counsellor and columnist. View More » Got a sex and dating dilemma? To get expert advice, send your problem to Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: My date was going well until my braces got stuck… down there MORE: I uncovered my husband's dirty secret while he was in a coma MORE: Our boss let us spend the day visiting porn sites in the name of research
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia strengthens whistleblower protection with new legal amendments
PUTRAJAYA: The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed unanimously in the Dewan Rakyat, represents a significant step in Malaysia's efforts to promote integrity and combat corruption. The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) hailed the amendments as a crucial development under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2028. According to BHEUU, the updated law aims to encourage more individuals to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. 'The MADANI government remains committed to rejecting all forms of intimidation against whistleblowers and will continue to strengthen protection policies to build a more transparent, accountable and corruption-free Malaysia,' the agency stated. Key reforms include the formation of a Whistleblower Protection Committee to oversee implementation and the removal of legal loopholes that previously allowed protection for corrupt acts. 'This principle is crucial to ensure that any misconduct or harmful action occurring in the public or private sector can be exposed, provided the disclosure is made responsibly and in accordance with the stipulated conditions,' BHEUU explained. Additional safeguards extend protection through the Witness Protection Programme for those facing threats after reporting wrongdoing. The amendments also introduce Section 11(1A), granting enforcement agencies discretion to maintain or revoke protection based on public interest. 'These amendments are vital in allowing for the revocation of protection if a whistleblower is found to have participated in the misconduct in question,' the statement added. BHEUU expressed gratitude to lawmakers, stakeholders, and civil society for their contributions in shaping the reforms. The amendments are expected to reinforce public trust in governance while ensuring accountability across sectors. – Bernama
Barnama
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
BHEUU Hails Amendments To Whistleblower Protection Act
GENERAL PUTRAJAYA, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was unanimously passed in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, marks a major milestone in the MADANI government's efforts to strengthen integrity, combat corruption and protect whistleblowers acting in the national interest. The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU), in a statement today, said the amendments are in line with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2028. According to BHEUU, the amendments are expected to boost public confidence in coming forward to report misconduct or abuse without fear of being unprotected by the law. 'The MADANI government remains committed to rejecting all forms of intimidation against whistleblowers and will continue to strengthen protection policies to build a more transparent, accountable and corruption-free Malaysia,' it said in the statement. BHEUU also extended the government's appreciation to all Members of Parliament, stakeholders and civil society for their contributions, feedback and support in realising the amendments for the nation's future. According to the statement, the amendments introduce several key reforms, including the establishment of a Whistleblower Protection Committee to ensure a more systematic and effective implementation of the Act, and the removal of the proviso in Section 6(1) to prevent protection for acts of corruption, abuse of power or misconduct. 'This principle is crucial to ensure that any misconduct or harmful action occurring in the public or private sector can be exposed, provided the disclosure is made responsibly and in accordance with the stipulated conditions,' it said. In addition, the amendments provide for extended protection through the Witness Protection Programme under the Witness Protection Act 2009 for individuals threatened after making disclosures, and the inclusion of Section 11(1A), which grants enforcement agencies discretionary powers to maintain protection based on public interest. 'These amendments are vital in allowing for the revocation of protection if a whistleblower is found to have participated in the misconduct in question,' it added.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Whistleblowers must report to agencies first, not media
KUALA LUMPUR: Whistleblowers seeking protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) must first report to legitimate enforcement agencies instead of going directly to the media, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She explained that this procedure ensures the authenticity of the information and prevents the risk of exposing state secrets. 'Many people ask why whistleblowers who go to the media can also be seen as among those being accused, but in reality, the procedure does not allow you to go directly to the media,' she said during a Dewan Rakyat session. Azalina stressed that whistleblowers must approach the relevant agency first to verify the information, particularly concerning national security. 'We want to determine that the state secrets are not at the level mentioned by the whistleblowers,' she added. She also warned against 'trial by media,' where premature judgments could undermine legal fairness. 'If a person goes to the media, the public may already decide on the offence, which is unfair to our legal process,' she said. The government is currently amending Act 711, with the first phase involving the formation of a Whistleblower Protection Committee to oversee disclosures and complaints. The second phase will strengthen protections, including confidentiality safeguards under Section 6. Azalina assured that whistleblowers' identities remain protected under Section 8, and an independent ombudsman system will be introduced to handle cases involving law enforcement agencies. She also noted that whistleblowers involved in misconduct may still receive protection under the Witness Protection Programme. When asked about the Sabah mining scandal case, Azalina declined to comment in detail due to ongoing legal proceedings but reiterated that whistleblowers must follow proper legal channels for protection. – Bernama
IOL News
18-06-2025
- IOL News
Murder witness fights for R2 million relocation funds after SAPS leaks personal details
A murder witness demands R2 million for relocation, citing police negligence after his personal details were leaked. Image: Pexels A man identified as KM took legal action against the South African Police Service (SAPS) following a disastrous leak of his personal information. As the sole witness to a murder involving his employer, KM claimed his life was in danger and was seeking R2 million to facilitate his relocation amidst fears for his safety. KM sought relief in the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley, expressing the urgent need for relocation funds. The funds include living costs, enhanced security measures, medical support, and compensation for lost earnings spanning at least five years. His plight stems from a tragic incident that occurred on June 1, 2025, when he witnessed the horrifying murder of his boss in Kuruman. Following the incident, KM made statements to the police, trusting that his identity would be kept confidential. However, his trust was shattered when he unexpectedly discovered that his name and home address had been divulged in an internal police communication that circulated on a family WhatsApp group and subsequently spread across social media platforms. Due to this and the subsequent reports of the killing of an alleged gangster using the same modus operandi just a few days after the fatal shooting of his employer, which appears to have been connected, KM said he feared for his life. He said he confronted the police officers involved in the investigation, and they expressed shock at the disclosure of his details but took no action to rectify the situation or to honour their commitment to protect him. He added that this has left him shocked and traumatised, and he was booked off sick for a week, during which he temporarily relocated to a nearby town in a desperate attempt to ensure his safety. Yet even this move has not eased his fear as he remains sceptical about the police's ability to keep his new address confidential. Furthermore, he stated that he finds the Witness Protection Programme unappealing as it would restrict his freedom and place him under the authority of those he no longer trusts. In response, the commander in charge of the incident, Colonel Kanakang, said he had an interview with KM three days after the incident and wanted to obtain information regarding the deceased's business and possible enemies. During the interview, Colonel Kanakang said he enquired about KM's safety and offered him protection. KM declined as he did not want his freedom of movement restricted and informed him that he will temporarily make his own arrangements. Colonel Kanakang said the option of placing KM in the Witness Protection Programme was still available. In his replying affidavit, KM denied that the Colonel Kanakang or any of the police involved had offered him witness protection. He reiterated that he does not trust the police and does not want them to know of his location. He said they have violated his constitutional rights and put his life at risk without displaying any interest in investigating who, within their ranks, was responsible for leaking his confidential information. Looking at the evidence, judge Cecile Williams said the media statement filed by police in their supplementary affidavit makes no mention KM's name, it does not even name the deceased. Judge Williams said it's not clear whether this was the only media statement released, however, the only reasonable inference to be made from the disclosure of the private police communication, was that the leak came from within the police. "How it spread to other social media platforms can at this stage only be speculated upon. The police have in my view failed in their duty to serve and protect the applicant (KM) and at the very least have to investigate whom amongst their ranks is responsible for such a violation and deal with it effectively," said Williams. While acknowledging KM's fears, Justice Williams clarified that the Witness Protection Programme falls under the jurisdiction of the National Prosecuting Authority, separate from the police, suggesting that KM had nothing to fear should he opt for this route. "There being a statutory remedy available to the applicant (KM), which does not involve SAPS, the applicant has failed to make out a case for the extraordinary relief sought. That being the case, the application must fail." KM's application was dismissed. [email protected] IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
