Snowden anniversary a reminder of the need to protect whistleblowers and journalists
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.
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Journalists warn of silenced sources
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Reddit asks, we answer: Q&A on whistleblowing, SecureDrop, and sharing info with the press
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Snowden revelations take on added urgency
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Snowden surveillance revelations take on added urgency 12 years later
The anniversary is a reminder to resist the characterization of whistleblowers as threats to national security for revealing information the government wants to keep secret.
