John Kiriakou
CIA Whistleblower | Intelligence Expert | UNIFYD TV Host
"The man who dared to tell the truth about America's darkest secrets"
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Who is John Kiriakou?
John Chris Kiriakou is a former CIA insider turned whistleblower, journalist, and author - an unlikely rebel who shattered the silence surrounding the agency’s darkest secrets. Now a columnist for Reader Supported News and co-host of Political Misfits on Sputnik Radio, Kiriakou risked everything to pull back the curtain on the CIA’s brutal interrogation tactics.
The host of UNIFYD TV's original, "CIA Declassified," is more than just a whistleblower. John Kiriakou stands as one of America's most courageous voices in the fight for transparency and accountability. As a CIA whistleblower who exposed the brutal reality of CIA torture programs, Kiriakou transformed from an intelligence operative to a prisoner to one of the nation's most respected advocates for whistleblower protection and government accountability.
Early Career: A Decade in the Shadows
John Kiriakou began his distinguished career as a former CIA officer in 1990, serving for 14 years in some of the agency's most sensitive operations. As a national security expert specializing in counterterrorism, he worked across multiple continents, from Greece to Pakistan, building crucial intelligence networks and conducting high-stakes operations that shaped America's understanding of global threats.
His expertise in counterterrorism operations placed him at the forefront of America's response to international terrorism. Kiriakou's work as an intelligence analyst and operations officer for the CIA's Counterterrorism Center provided him with unprecedented insight into the agency's methods, ethics, and decision-making processes during some of the most critical moments in modern American history.
Whistleblowing Against the CIA
In 2007, John Kiriakou made the decision that would define his legacy and transform him into a CIA whistleblower. During a television interview, he became the first former CIA officer to publicly confirm that the agency had used waterboarding as an interrogation technique, specifically revealing details about the torture of Abu Zubaydah, a suspected al-Qaeda operative.
This revelation exposed the extent of CIA torture programs and sparked a national debate about intelligence ethics and the boundaries of acceptable interrogation methods. Kiriakou's disclosure wasn't just about technique - it was about fundamental questions of morality, legality, and American values in the fight against terrorism.
The government's response was swift and severe. In 2012, Kiriakou was charged under the Espionage Act, becoming the first CIA officer to face prison time for leaks to journalists. His prosecution highlighted the dangerous precedent of using espionage laws to silence whistleblower protection advocates and those seeking to expose government wrongdoing.
Prison, Redemption, and Continued Advocacy
In 2013, John Kiriakou was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, making him the only CIA official to face jail time in connection with the torture program - not for participating in it, but for exposing it. His imprisonment became a powerful symbol of the government's aggressive stance against transparency and accountability.
During his incarceration, Kiriakou experienced firsthand the failures of America's prison system, fueling his passion for prison reform. His time behind bars deepened his understanding of systemic injustices and strengthened his resolve to fight for comprehensive reforms across multiple institutions.
Upon his release in 2015, Kiriakou emerged more determined than ever to continue his mission of exposing corruption and advocating for ethical governance. His prison experience had transformed him from a former CIA officer into a comprehensive reform advocate with intimate knowledge of multiple broken systems.
Author and Media Career
Author John Kiriakou has penned several influential books that provide unprecedented insight into the intelligence community. His memoir "The Reluctant Spy" offers readers a rare glimpse into the moral complexities faced by intelligence officers and the personal cost of choosing conscience over career.
As a journalist, John Kiriakou has established himself as a prominent voice in alternative media, providing analysis and commentary that mainstream outlets often avoid. His work appears regularly in various publications, where he continues to shed light on intelligence operations, government accountability, and the ongoing struggle for transparency.
Currently, Kiriakou co-hosts Political Misfits on Sputnik Radio, where he brings his unique perspective as both insider and outsider to contemporary political and security issues. His media presence enables him to reach audiences seeking authentic analysis from someone who has lived the realities he discusses.
Current Advocacy
John Kiriakou's courage in exposing government wrongdoing has earned him significant recognition, including the prestigious First Amendment Award for his contributions to press freedom and transparency. This honor acknowledges not just his specific revelations about CIA torture, but his broader commitment to the principles of open government and democratic accountability.
Today, Kiriakou is associated with the Institute for Policy Studies, where he continues his work on issues ranging from intelligence ethics to comprehensive government reform. His advocacy extends beyond his original whistleblowing to encompass broader questions of democracy, accountability, and the balance between security and civil liberties.
As a national security expert, Kiriakou provides an invaluable perspective on contemporary intelligence challenges while maintaining his commitment to ethical governance. His unique position as someone who has worked within the system, challenged it, and paid the price for doing so gives him unparalleled credibility in discussions about reform and accountability.
Achievements & Recognition
PEN First Amendment Award (2015)
Sam Adams Award for Integrity (2016)
Joe A. Callaway Award for Civic Courage
Blueprint International Whistleblowing Prize
14-year CIA veteran
Led the capture of Abu Zubaydah
Author of 7 acclaimed books
Featured in the documentary "Silenced"
Authored Books
The Reluctant Spy: My Secret Life in the CIA's War on Terror
Doing Time Like a Spy: How the CIA Taught Me to Survive and Thrive in Prison
How to Disappear and Live Off the Grid: A CIA Insider's Guide
The Convenient Terrorist: Two Whistleblowers' Stories of Torture, Terror, Secret Wars, and CIA Lies
The CIA Insider's Guide to the Iran Crisis: From CIA Coup to the Brink of War
Lying and Lie Detection: A CIA Insider's Guide
Surveillance and Surveillance Detection: A CIA Insider's Guide
John Kiriakou UNIFYD TV Originals
John Kiriakou brings his insider experience and unwavering dedication to transparency through multiple UNIFYD TV original series, including CIA Declassified and The Whistleblowers. Across these programs, he sheds light on the inner workings of the intelligence community, government secrecy, and the moral complexities faced by those who expose corruption from within.
Watch John Kiriakou in Action
Join UNIFYD TV and get unlimited access to John Kiriakou's content, including the original series, "CIA Declassified," where he unveils real, declassified documents that expose the CIA's most corrupt and dishonorable secrets - stories so dark, the mainstream media dares not touch them.
By the season's end, you won't just be questioning what's been buried... you'll be left wondering whether any "three-letter agencies" can truly be trusted.
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