On episode 138 of The Quarantine Tapes, Paul Holdengräber talks with Jeffrey Sterling. Jeffrey is a former CIA analyst and the author of Unwanted Spy: The Persecution of an American Whistleblower. He recounts his career within the CIA and his experience being convicted under the Espionage Act, a law that has been used increasingly in recent years to go after whistleblowers.Jeffrey explains the danger that precedent sets for whistleblowers and journalists and the threat being posed to our ability to demand accountability from our government. In a riveting conversation about the meaning of justice and accountability, Paul and Jeffrey touch on Julian Assange’s trial, the need for change in the CIA, and reading Martin Luther King, Jr., from prison. Jeffrey Sterling grew up in a small, segregated town in Missouri, never feeling that he completely belonged.  He jumped at the chance to broaden his world and serve his country, first in law school and, later, in the CIA. However, after an impressive rise, Sterling’s career began to stagnate when he was continuously denied opportunities because of his race. He refused to be silent on this and blew the whistle by suing the CIA for their blatant discrimination. Sterling soon found reason to speak out about something even more serious.  During the early years of the War on Terror, Sterling testified to Senate investigators about the CIA’s botched covert operation in Iran, codenamed Operation Merlin. Driven by an intense commitment to his country, Sterling wanted to highlight for Congress the real dangers that were being ignored by CIA leaders. Sadly, the members of Congress charged with oversight of intelligence matters ignored him too.  After being pushed out of the CIA and spending a few quiet years in Missouri with his wife, he was arrested suddenly and charged with espionage, becoming the CIA’s scapegoat. He served over two years in prison and his life has been irrevocably changed. Yet despite his hardships, Sterling always felt he did the right thing in testifying to the Senate and exposing the discrimination he faced at the CIA. From Chelsea Manning to Reality Winner, in recent years the U.S. government has been draconian in their crackdown on alleged leakers and whistleblowers—and Sterling is no exception. Unwanted Spy is an inspiring account of one man’s uncompromising commitment to the truth and a reminder of the principles of justice and integrity that should define America.Additional viewing here: Credits:Paul Holdengraber - Co-Creator, Host, OLA DirectorAnthony Audi - Co-Creator, Researcher, OLA DirectorAlejandro Cohen - Co-Creator, Producer, ComposerChristian Pitt - Production Coordinator Erin Cooney - Copy, ProductionDublab Team