GAP’s Radack & NSA Whistleblower Drake Appear on The Daily Show
Summary: Last night, GAP National Security & Human Rights Director and NSA whistleblower/GAP client Thomas Drake appeared on The Daily Show, talking about Drake’s case – how he was charged under the Espionage Act for reporting waste, fraud, and abuse at the agency. The segment highlighted the absurdity of Drake being charged as a spy.
Peace & Collaborative Development Network: PCDN Interview with the Government Accountability Project
Summary: In this long-form interview, the Peace & Collaborative Development Network interviews GAP Executive & International Director Bea Edwards and GAP International Officer Shelley Walden about GAP and its work to protect whistleblowers at international organizations.
Summary: This article highlights the efforts of Senator Ron Wydon (D-Ore.) to combat government surveillance on its own citizens. One example of what the article calls a battle over civil liberties is the unprecedented use of the Espionage Act to charge intelligence whistleblowers – most notably, NSA whistleblower and GAP client Thomas Drake.
Key Quote: Drake was fortunate; he had the representation of skilled counsel (Jesselyn Radack of the nonprofit Government Accountability Project—herself a former whistleblower), and his case went to a judge whose rulings paved the way for a fair trial. Authorities then in effect gave up, and settled the once-mammoth prosecution by extracting from Drake a plea bargain to a minor charge.
The Sentinel (UK): Police Call Off Hunt for University Hospital of North Staffordshire Whistleblower
Summary: Police have dropped their search to identify a UK hospital whistleblower who had revealed documents showing the “negligent” behavior of a physician and the risk it put patients under. The hospital had originally brought in the police to search for the whistleblower because it alleged the documents contained confidential information.
Legal Times: Bill Provides New Protections for Antitrust Whistleblowers
Summary: New legislation introduced last week by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) would improve protections for whistleblowers who report antitrust violations, allowing them to pursue civil suits if they are retaliated against.
Hannah Johnson is Communications Associate for the Government Accountability Project, the nation's leading whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.
