Al Jazeera: A Revolution Against ‘the Culture of Leaks’?
Summary: A new anti-leaks measure (to be amended to the Intelligence Authorisation Act for fiscal year 2013) is aimed at rooting out not just 'leakers' (aka whistleblowers), but potential 'leakers.' The proposal would essentially criminalize whistleblowing and cast “a distinct chill over press coverage of national security issues.” The article cites the well-known case of NSA whistleblower and GAP client Thomas Drake as an example of how the government is persecuting intelligence truth-tellers.
Whistleblower Retaliation Creep
Summary: A recent Glenn Greenwald column identifies a process he calls “secrecy creep,” where the Obama administration's crackdown on intelligence whistleblowers and overemphasis on secrecy has trickled down to lower levels of the Executive Branch. He identifies a number of recent stories about whistleblowers facing retaliation for reporting wrongdoing in various agencies.
GAP National Security & Human Rights Director Jesselyn Radack blogged on this phenomenon this morning.
Reuters: Pope’s Butler Paolo Gabriele – Whistleblower or Traitor?
Summary: Pope Benedict’s butler stood trial this week, accused of leaking Vatican documents alleging corruption in its business dealings. He has admitted he gave the documents to reporters because he “saw evil and corruption everywhere in the Church.”
The Independent (UK): NHS Watchdog Claimed that Whistleblower Kay Sheldon Was ‘Mentally Ill’
Summary: The head of a UK health system watchdog group “cast doubt about the mental stability” of a former director-turned-whistleblower who had raised concerns about poor leadership and performance. Internal documents allegedly show a plan to unseat the whistleblower as soon as she began speaking out.
Gaithersburg Patch (MD): Mayor, Council Updated on Developments of Whistleblower Focus Group
Summary: The Gaithersburg, MD mayor and city council were briefed this week on the ideas of the “Whistleblower Focus Group,” which is charged with creating a whistleblower program where local government employees can report wrongdoing.
The Monitor (TX): Ex-Starr Employee – Firing Was Payback for Whistleblowing
Summary: A former county employee in Texas has filed suit, alleging that he was fired after reporting that a commissioner told workers to resurface his driveway and other private property.
Hannah Johnson is Communications Associate for the Government Accountability Project, the nation's leading whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.
