Courtesy of Flickr user leeseanTo The Point: Bradley Manning – Hero or Criminal?
Summary: GAP National Security & Human Rights Director Jesselyn Radack appeared on PRI's To The Point yesterday, discussing the case against Bradley Manning, the soldier accused of giving classified information to WikiLeaks. You can hear the full show by clicking "Listen" on this page.
The hearing is set to end today and a decision about whether or not Manning is court-martialed is expected by January 16.
Relevant Articles: CNN, Sydney Morning Herald
Washington Post: Is the Government Reimbursing Companies Facing Legal Actions by Whistleblowers?
Summary: Earlier this month, Walt Tamosaitis, the Hanford nuclear whistleblower, told a Senate subcommittee that the Department of Energy was reimbursing the contracting company for its defense against legal actions by Tamosaitis. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo) sent a letter on Tuesday to the National Nuclear Security Administration in an effort to verify Tamosaitis’ story.
Key Quote: “DOE’s financial cushion for contractors to fight whistleblower lawsuits is unique, in GAP’s experience,” said Tom Devine, legal director of the Government Accountability Project, a nonprofit whistleblower advocacy organization. “The practice is so outrageous that in the 2005 Energy Policy Act, Congress passed a law requiring re-payment when there is a judgment against the contractor in whistleblower cases.”
Related Article: Tri-City Herald (WA)
CBC News (Canada): Whistleblower Watchdog Hits He’s Found Wrongdoing
Summary: Canada’s new public sector integrity commissioner, a position similar to the head of the Office of Special Counsel, has implied that several cases currently being investigated will lead to results of wrongdoing. The commissioner was appointed earlier this month after his predecessor resigned amid accusations of retaliation and ineptitude.
The appointment was criticized by GAP coalition partner FAIR, who felt he was too close to those he would be investigating.
Salisbury Patch (PA): Salisbury Gets New Whistleblower and Scrap Metal Policies
Summary: The board of commissioners in Salisbury, Pennsylvania recently adopted a new whistleblower protection policy for the city. The policy forbids retaliation against or termination of whistleblowers, and allows for whistleblowers to take legal action if necessary.
CNN Money: BofA Settles Unfair Lending Claims for $335 Million
Summary: The Department of Justice has announced that Bank of America (BofA) will pay $335 million to settle a suit that alleged discriminatory lending practices by Countrywide Financial (which was bought by BofA).GAP client Eileen Foster detailed fraud at Countrywide & BofA recently on 60 Minutes.
Hannah Johnson is Communications Associate for the Government Accountability Project, the nation's leading whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.
