Politico: Feds Dispute CIA Leakers Contrition
Federal prosecutors continue to claim that CIA/Torture whistleblower and GAP client John Kiriakou falsely claims to be a whistleblower. This piece from On The Media last week, featuring journalist Ted Gup, also addressed Kiriakou's disclosures on torture ("an outspoken critic of waterboarding") as being the real reason he has been targeted and prosecuted. GAP National Security & Human Rights Director Jesselyn Radack is prominently featured in the Politico story.
Kiriakou will be honored tonight at an event that will unveil his portrait, the newest edition to the series Americans Who Tell the Truth by prominent artist Robert Shetterly. While the event is open to the public, space is limited, so please send RSVPs to GAP Communications Director Dylan Blaylock at dylanb@whistleblower.org if you would like to attend.
Key Quote: "However, a lawyer who handles whistleblower-related issues for Kiriakou, Jesselyn Radack said Tuesday that the government's arguments about the Times article and Kiriakou's whistleblower status are mistaken.
. . .
John meets the textbook definition of whistleblower. He revealed gross abuse and illegality and the world seems to recognize him as a whistleblower. It’s unfortunate that the government can’t.”
Casper Star-Tribune: Protecting the Wrong People
This masthead-editorial criticizes a proposed bill in Wyoming that would criminalize whistleblowers who record evidence of farm animal abuse. Individuals who videotape wrongdoing could face up to six months in jail, leaving the actual perpetrator of the abuse off the hook. More information about similar legislation that has cropped up throughout the country, known as Ag Gag, can be found here.
Center for Effective Government: DC Event to Honor Whistleblower John Kiriakou
More about John Kiriakou, the sixth whistleblower charged with violating the Espionage Act by the Obama administration and the only CIA officer who faces jail time for taking action related to the government’s waterboarding program.
The Inquirer: Philly District Denies Ackerman Steered No-Bid Contract
The Philadelphia School District says in a court filing that its Superintendent did not attempt to give preference in selecting the firm that worked on a no-bid contract for school surveillance cameras in 2010. This ruling contradicts a report from the School Reform Commission that alleges otherwise.
Times of Malta: Protection for Whistleblowers is Urgent
A non-medical employee at a Maltese hospital has blown the whistle on hospital nurses who allegedly administered non-prescribed drugs to patients. A recent industrial tribunal concluded that no investigation into the claim had been conducted, though the whistleblower subsequently lost his job.
"We Will Respond to the Threat of Climate Change" – Looking Ahead from the Inaugural Address
In his second Inaugural Address on Monday, President Obama acknowledged the threat of global climate disruption and his commitment to taking action on it. GAP's Climate Science Watch recaps, and ponders how the president will follow up in his State of the Union address, as well as his decisions regarding the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline.
Jack Davis is Communications Associate for the Government Accountability Project, the nation's leading whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.
