Defend Whistleblowers

Daniel Ellsberg talks to press in 1972 during leak trial - AP7207110300

AP Photo/George Brich

Whistleblowers are essential to a free and unfettered press.

Whistleblowers play a critical role in informing the public and holding the government to account.

Sources who act out of conscience to leak information to the press further our democracy. Whistleblowers like Daniel Ellsberg, Chelsea Manning, and Edward Snowden, have exposed some of our government’s gravest abuses.

Unfortunately, whistleblowers are often prosecuted and jailed. That’s wrong. Whistleblowers and the journalists they work with should be celebrated, not punished.