The National Whistleblower Center is reporting success with their international training initiative. NWC President Stephen Kohn recently met with government leaders in Hungary, and as a direct result, their Justice Minister has announced a new initiative to develop effective whistleblower protections for their workers.
It has become apparent that Scott Bloch, head of the Office of Special Counsel, was fired by the Bush Administration. This decision comes more than five months after Bloch became the target of an federal obstruction of justice probe. Bloch's tenure has been a tumultuous one, and federal government whistleblowers have paid a heavy price.
The National Whistleblower Center's President, Stephen M. Kohn, issued the following statement upon the termination of Special Counsel Scott Bloch:
"The termination of Special Counsel Scott Bloch represents the low point in the history of the Office of Special Counsel. Originally intended to protect whistleblowers, the Office has never fulfilled its promise. Since its inception, the Office has ignored or ruled against the overwhelming majority of federal employee whistleblowers. The institution itself has never acted as a "safe harbor" for whistleblowers. Under Special Counsel Bloch, the Office imploded. Ignoring its mission to protect whistleblowers, the management of the OSC turned on its own staff."
"Change must come to the OSC and it must come fast. We call upon the new President and Congress to ensure that the position of Special Counsel be filled by a truly experienced and competent advocate for whistleblowers. Moreover, Congress and the President must act in a bi-partisan manner to ensure that never again will the Office be politicized and used as a patronage slot. The problem rests with both the President and Congress. Historically, Congress has failed to exercise any oversight concerning the appointment of the Special Counsel. That must end. This position is critically important for the enforcement of federal laws and the protection of taxpayer dollars. Employees risk their careers to do the right thing and report misconduct and abuses of power. The new President must do the right thing and appoint a Special Counsel who can protect these American heroes. Congress must do its job and demand that the next Special Counsel has the background, experience and expertise demanded under the Whistleblower Protection Act."
On September 11, we reported on the whistleblower case of former federal prosecutor Richard Convertino. Mr. Convertino has brought a Privacy Act action against the US government for leaking disparaging information with the goal of smearing Mr. Convertino in retribution for blowing the whistle on DOJ mismanagement of terrorism investigations. Last month, Federal Judge Max Cleland ordered Detroit Free Press reporter David Ashenfelter to appear and testify in depositions regarding the identity of his confidential DOJ sources who leaked the information.
Now, Mr. Ashenfelter is still refusing to testify, in violation of Judge Cleland's order. Steve Kohn, who is Mr. Convertino's attorney, has indicated that Mr. Ashenfelter could be held in contempt for his actions. This story has been reported nationwide, including articles with the Associated Press and in The Detroit Free Press
Early this morning, Stephen Kohn gave a 10 minute interview which provided some insight into the case of FBI counterterrorism whistleblower Bassem Youssef. For those of you who don't live in the DC area or who (like me) were not awake early enough to catch this interview, you can listen to it by clicking here.
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