Judging Freedom [EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL] : John Kiriakou: The CIA’s Tortures and Crimes.
Dec 8, 2025
John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer, gained notoriety for exposing the agency's controversial torture program. He shares gripping insights from his time at the CIA, including his refusal to partake in enhanced interrogation techniques and the fallout from going public. Kiriakou discusses the CIA's troubled culture, allegations of drug trafficking, and the complexities of surveillance and accountability. He reflects on whether the CIA has reformed since his revelations and hints at his upcoming book, revealing deep concerns about the agency's future.
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Refusing To Join The Torture Program
- John Kiriakou recounts being asked to be "certified in the use of enhanced interrogation techniques" and refusing because he believed it was torture.
- He later publicly described the techniques on ABC after President Bush denied torture and blamed a "rogue" officer.
Surveilled And Prosecuted For Exposing Torture
- Kiriakou describes how his communications were intercepted and he was surveilled for years after his ABC interview.
- He was ultimately charged for confirming a colleague's name and faced espionage counts before pleading to lesser charges.
From 45 Years To 23 Months
- Kiriakou explains the prosecution's initial 45-year offer and how top attorneys negotiated a plea that led to a 2.5-year sentence.
- He served 23 months and says heavy espionage charges were dropped when he went bankrupt defending himself.