Courtesy of Flickr user leeseanAssociated Press: Manning Defense Trying Different Strategies
Summary: The defense team for Bradley Manning, the soldier accused of giving classified information to WikiLeaks, is “employing a three-pronged defense: The troubled young private should never had access to classified material, his workplace security was inexplicably lax, and the data in question caused little damage to national security anyhow.” The pre-trial hearing is currently in its fifth day.
Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg was removed from the trial after approaching Manning and attempting to speak with him. He was later readmitted.
GAP’s Jesselyn Radack explores Manning’s disclosures and hearing in a recent blog post.
Related Articles: Democracy Now!, Salon
Business Insider: CFPB to Financial Whistleblowers – Let’s Talk
Summary: The Consumer Financial Protection Agency stated last week that it welcomes tips from whistleblowers about violations of federal consumer protection laws. The article highlights the allegations of GAP client Eileen Foster, who revealed massive wrongdoing at Countrywide Home Loans and Bank of America.
Sacramento Bee: Sacramento Library Kickback Scheme Results in 2 More Convictions
Summary: Almost four years ago, a whistleblower and The Sacramento Bee revealed a kickback scheme at the Sacramento Library run by the former security chief, his wife, and the former facilities director. They would hire contractors and overbill them, keeping extra taxpayer dollars for themselves. Now, all three have been convicted and sentencing is planned for January 20.
Virgin Islands Daily News: Frazer Must Reinstate Campbell Whistleblower, Court Rules
Summary: According to a Superior Court Judge, the Virgin Islands Attorney General must reinstate the former Assistant Attorney General who was fired after he filed a complaint against his boss.
Daytona Beach News-Journal: Justice Dept. Reaffirms Claim Halifax Health Broke Federal Laws
Summary: The US Department of Justice (DOJ) joined a whistleblower case last summer that alleged Halifax Health, a collection of hospitals and professional health centers, violated federal anti-kickback laws in its financial relationship with certain neurosurgeons and oncologists. Last Friday, the DOJ filed a brief in the legal proceedings that held firm to this position. The government seeks to recover millions of dollars of false reimbursement claims.
Food Safety News: Recall Prompts More Calls for Action on Ag Antibiotics
Summary: Last week a Maine-based grocery chain initiated a recall of ground beef that may be contaminated with an antibiotic-resistant strain of Salmonella. In response to 14 people becoming sickened by the outbreak, Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) renewed her call for limiting antibiotic usage in animal agriculture. Meanwhile, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has petitioned USDA to declare certain antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella as adulterants, making illegal the sale of meat and poultry products tainted with these strains.
In August, GAP and other food safety advocates sent a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack that reinforces points made in CSPI's petition.
Hannah Johnson is Communications Associate for the Government Accountability Project, the nation's leading whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.
