Person Biography:
John Kiriakou is a former CIA analyst and case officer, senior investigator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and counterterrorism consultant. He is a renowned whistleblower who has been recognized for his bravery in exposing the US torture program.
Early Life and Career:
Kiriakou became the chief of counterterrorism operations in Pakistan after the 9/11 attacks. He refused to be trained in "enhanced interrogation techniques" and instead led the CIA team in the capture of Abu Zubaydah, who was considered al Qaeda's third-ranking official at the time.
CIA Career:
Kiriakou served as the Director of Central Intelligence's principal Iraq briefer and Executive Assistant to the CIA's Deputy Director for Operations. He received 10 CIA Exceptional Performance Awards, the CIA's Sustained Superior Performance Award, the Counterterrorism Service Medal, and the State Department's Meritorious Honor Award.
Whistleblowing and Prosecution:
Kiriakou became the first former CIA officer to confirm that the agency waterboarded detainees and label waterboarding as torture. He appeared on ABC News in an interview with Brian Ross, which led to his investigation and subsequent criminal prosecution. He pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Intelligence Identities Protection Act in exchange for a 30-month sentence.
Legacy:
Kiriakou is widely viewed as an American hero who bravely served his country and blew the whistle on torture. He has received numerous awards and honors for his courage, including the Joe A. Callaway Award for Civil Courage and the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County's "Peacemaker of the Year" award. He was released from prison in February 2015 and continues to speak out on issues related to national security and human rights.
