Whistleblowers Archives

Remembering Kevin Zeese, Tireless Fighter for Our Democracy
September 8, 2020 –
Defending Rights & Dissent was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Zeese over the weekend. Over his life, he was on the frontlines of many causes–whistleblower protections, election integrity, single payer healthcare, net neutrality, reforming our criminal justice system, environmental justice, and peace.Kevin fought for peace over war, for democracy over corporate dominance. Kevin’s life embodied the importance of dissent to a democracy. He will be deeply missed.
DRAD talks with Daniel Ellsberg, Glenn Greenwald, and Thomas Drake about Whistleblowers, Press Freedom, and the Espionage Act
September 2, 2020 –
Recently, Donald Trump when asked about
Defending Rights & Dissent Official Statement on the Release of Chelsea Manning
March 13, 2020 –
“It was well past time for Manning to go free,” said Defending Rights & Dissent Policy Director Chip Gibbons. “However, Manning should never have been imprisoned to begin with. She testified extensively under oath during her court martial. This highlights the fact that the US government was likely abusing the grand jury to continue to retaliate against her exposing their crimes. That the grand jury itself is connected to an unprecedented attempt to use the Espionage Act against a publisher of truthful information shows that the US government is engaged in an all out war on truthtelling.”
Assange Extradition Threatens Global Press Freedom
February 26, 2020 –
Assange is charged under the Espionage Act for publishing truthful information. The indictment is seen as an assault on those people and organizations that publish classified information in the public interest.
It’s Chelsea Manning’s Birthday, Demand Her Freedom Now!
December 17, 2019 –
Today is Chelsea Manning’s birthday. She is spending it yet again behind bars. We need you to demand her freedom now.
Defending Rights & Dissent: Congress Must Protect Whistleblowers
October 2, 2019 –
Since the House of Representatives has begun an impeachment inquiry in response to a whistleblower complaint, President Trump has vilified and attacked the anonymous whistleblower. Congress must make sure the whistleblower is protected. Credible allegations require serious inquiries
Whistleblowers, Journalists, and Free Press Advocates Condemn Espionage Act Charges Against Drone Whistleblower Daniel Hale
July 18, 2019 –
One hundred and seventy three individuals and 50 organizations have joined Defending Rights & Dissent, Roots Action, and the Whistleblower & Source Protection Program (WHISPeR) at Expose Facts in condemning the Espionage Act charges against drone whistleblower Daniel Hale. Included among the signatories are other whistleblowers who have been victims of Espionage Act abuse, including Daniel Ellsberg, Thomas Drake, John Kiriakiou, and Jeffrey Sterling.
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act threatens press freedom
June 10, 2019 –
On Wednesday June 5, a panel was held ti
Defending Rights & Dissent Appalled By Order to Jail, Fine Chelsea Manning
May 17, 2019 –
After only a week of freedom, the US Att
Chelsea Manning is Back in Court. Tell the Government to #LeaveChelseaAlone
May 16, 2019 –
Today, Chelsea Manning is being hauled before a grand jury. Again. We urgently need you to take action and tell the US Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Eastern District of Virginia to Leave Chelsea Alone!
Defending Rights & Dissent’s Statement on the Indictment of Julian Assange
April 11, 2019 –
Earlier this morning, London police entered the Ecuadorian embassy and arrested Julian Assange. Press freedom, civil liberties, and human rights groups have long opposed the extradition of Assange to the US.
Defending Rights & Dissent Demands Chelsea Manning’s Release From Solitary Confinement
March 26, 2019 –
On March 26, 2018 Defending Rights & Dissent sent a letter to the Alexandria Sheriff demanding Chelsea Manning be released from solitary confinement.
Statement on the US Government’s Latest Jailing of Chelsea Manning
March 8, 2019 –
Manning is a whistleblower, a truth teller, and a hero. Yet, for making the American people aware of crimes committed by their government in their name the US government has repeatedly persecuted her.
Chelsea Manning Resists
March 5, 2019 –
Supporters of Chelsea Manning braved a chilly morning to gather outside the US District Courthouse for the Eastern District of Virginia. Manning was subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury, but has vowed to fight the subpoena
Statement on Chelsea Manning’s Grand Jury Subpoena
March 4, 2019 –
Defending Rights & Dissent stands with Chelsea Manning as she resists a grand jury subpoena. Last week, it was announced that a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia has subpoenaed Manning to appear before it. Manning has vowed to fight it, has obtained counsel, and has filed a motion to quash the subpoena.