Thread by @MarkSZaidEsq

/1 Thread on #Natsec #Whistleblower victory

Incredibly pleased to report on significant development in one of our cases involving @AndrewBakaj which shows system CAN work even against @CIA. Congress should use this example to further strengthen system.

news.yahoo.com/rare-external-…

@AndrewBakaj @CIA /2 Bakaj, an attny, was former @DoD_IG & @CIA OIG. He wrote CIA's internal regs to implement PPD-19, which was 2012 presidential directive by @POTUS44 to protect #natsec #whistleblowers

va.gov/ABOUT_VA/docs/…

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 /3 He properly participated in @ODNIgov OIG investigation, which was required by LAW, & #CIA OIG retaliated against him. Much of the battle arose from still ongoing tensions btwn who has higher authority: ODNI or CIA. NOTE: I say ODNI but that's another discussion.

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 @ODNIgov 4/Bakaj's disclosures & #whistleblower investigation that we worked on contributed to CIA OIG resigning & nominee withdrawing.

propublica.org/article/admini…

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 @ODNIgov 5/ Originally #CIA handled own investigation. Not surprisingly, concluded nothing wrong. #ODNI cited conflict & did not proceed but asked @DHSgov OIG to handle appeal. Unprecedented under circumstances. DHS decided CIA's work was insufficient & conducted NEW investigation.

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 @ODNIgov @DHSgov 6/We participated in several interviews, incl classified info. DHS OIG personnel took case seriously & pushed further than we've seen before. They deserve significant applause.

DHS issued public summary of findings (I can confirm this is Bakaj's case):

oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/…

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 @ODNIgov @DHSgov 7/We have read full classified ROI (nothing classified is relevant to discussion). Obviously can't reveal all contents yet but findings are DAMNING against #CIA & senior management in OIG. Conclusion is Bakaj was unlawfully retaliated against. No question abt it. Black & white.

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 @ODNIgov @DHSgov 8/We filed #FOIA lawsuit against DHS (even though #CIA is actually the problem but it's not their ROI) in May 2019. We absolutely expect a near complete ROI to be publicly released for EVERYONE to read. No investigated allegation was unsubstantiated. FULL VICTORY for justice.

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 @ODNIgov @DHSgov 9/Case shows #whistleblowers, even #natsec, CAN prevail under current system. Yes, significant difficulties exist & no guarantee for success, but trying required. Obligated even bc classified info involved. Those who say differently should look at this case for guidance.

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 @ODNIgov @DHSgov 10/#Whistleblower laws still need to be strengthened of course.

Best recommendation from this case: have other agencies' OIG handle investigation. Take it from accused agency. When objective & fair govt personnel handle case, #natsec #whistleblowers can WIN.

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 @ODNIgov @DHSgov 11/This case yet another example of great work performed by @wbaidlaw, which provides pro bono (FREE) legal representation to #whistleblowers, esp #natsec. We formed this incredible law firm in 2017 & have had success after success for whistleblowers.

washingtonpost.com/world/national…

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 @ODNIgov @DHSgov @wbaidlaw FINAL/@AndrewBakaj is true #natsec #whistleblower who did the right thing the right way. Lawfully. With legal counsel. Protected. Successful.

He is a shining example of what & how system should be. We hope to have more like him in the future protecting our country.

@AndrewBakaj @CIA @DoD_IG @POTUS44 @ODNIgov @DHSgov @wbaidlaw

https://twitter.com/MarkSZaidEsq/status/1172613007815467009?s=20