FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Attorney for Snowden, Kiriakou and Drake Comments on Gen. Petraeus Sentence

(WASHIGNTON) – Yesterday, Gen. David Petraeus was sentenced to two years probation and a $100,000 fine after illegally disclosing classified information to his mistress, including code-word information, detailed discussions with the President, and the names of covert operatives. He additionally lied to the FBI about his disclosures.

In regard to Gen. Petraeus’ sentence, GAP’s Jesselyn Radack stated:

“Petreaus’ light sentence is a travesty. Countless whistleblowers who revealed government waste, fraud, abuse of power and illegality in the public interest have lost their careers, life savings, and even families. Meanwhile, Petraeus was able to not only retain his security clearance and make lucrative speeches around the globe, but also serve as an advisor to the White House on national security issues.

“This sentence is nothing more than a slap on the wrist that highlights a gross double standard in leak prosecutions, which makes clear thatthe Obama administration’s record breaking number of Espionage Act prosecutions has nothing to do with protecting classified information and everything to do with punishing and silencing whistleblowers. If leaks were the real concern, Petraeus would receive punishment as harsh as the government demanded for other accused leakers.”

In total, the Obama administration has charged eight whistleblowers under the Espionage Act, including GAP clients John Kiriakou, Thomas Drake and Edward Snowden. Kiriakou notably blew the whistle on the CIA’s torture program, while Drake exposed an invasive and costly surveillance apparatus that wasted billions in taxpayer dollars. These men faced years in prison and lost their careers after fighting the charges brought against them by the government.

CONTACT:
Andrew Harman
[email protected]
(202) 457-0034 Ext. 156

 

Government Accountability Project

The Government Accountability Project is the nation’s leading whistleblower protection organization. Through litigating whistleblower cases, publicizing concerns and developing legal reforms, GAP’s mission is to protect the public interest by promoting government and corporate accountability. Founded in 1977, GAP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C.

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