Kevin Gosztola

Kevin Gosztola is managing editor of Shadowproof Press. He also produces and co-hosts the weekly podcast, "Unauthorized Disclosure."

CIA Torture Architects Settle With Survivors Avoiding Publicity Of Trial

With a U.S. president in office now who has praised waterboarding and other forms of torture, this is unlikely to be much of a deterrent on government officials who engage in torture or abuse.

Kevin Gosztola
By Kevin Gosztola
Newly Declassified Documents CIA Media

Two psychologists, James Mitchell and Bruce Jessen, who were contracted by the CIA to develop torture techniques, agreed to a confidential settlement with torture survivors. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued Mitchell and Jessen on behalf of Suleiman Abdullah Salim, Mohamed Ahmed Ben Soud, and the family of Gul Rahman. The lawsuit

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How Democrats Used ‘Alt-Left’ To Demonize Progressive Critics

There simply can be no equivalency between the “alt-right” and the “alt-left.” Nor is the “alt-left” responsible for any threat the rise of the “alt-right” may pose to the country.

Kevin Gosztola
By Kevin Gosztola
How Democrats Used 'Alt-Left' To Demonize Progressive Critics

Liberal and centrist Democrats did not necessarily coin the label “alt-left,” however, in recent months, the term was popularized by them. It was deployed against anyone on the left who challenged their politics, especially those perceived as supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders or members of the Democratic Socialists of America. But in a recent

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Republican Anti-Protest Bills Protect Drivers That Run Over Protesters

Bills immunizing drivers from liability if they hit protesters are part of a raft of anti-protesting legislation that Republicans have advanced in 2017.

Kevin Gosztola
By Kevin Gosztola
A vehicle drives into a group of protesters demonstrating against a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va.

A number of state legislatures have considered bills that shield drivers from liability if they run over protesters, who are “obstructing” traffic. These anti-protest bills from Republican lawmakers reflect a political climate in which far-right activists increasingly find it permissible to mow down Black Lives Matter protesters and other

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Pro-Business, ‘Pragmatic’ Democrats Launch Group In Bid To Save Party

What New Democracy makes clear is neoliberal politics still holds great influence over the Democratic Party establishment.

Kevin Gosztola
By Kevin Gosztola
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper applauds as he delivers his annual State of the State address in Denver. Dissatisfied with Democratic fortunes in the Trump era, a group of prominent Democrats is forming an organization outside the formal party structure with the goal of winning again in Republican-dominated middle America. Calling itself “New Democracy.” (AP/Brennan Linsley)

Published in partnership with Shadowproof. From the ideological middle, which lauds pragmatism and pro-business politics but is largely incapable of turning this into a winning formula during elections, comes a newly re-branded venture called New Democracy. The organization, according to a press release, plans to broaden the appeal of the

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Facing Crisis Of Legitimacy, Trump Admin Promises Crackdown On Leakers, Whistleblowers

The Trump administration’s recommitment to crack down on leaks, possibly to a greater degree than Obama, will make the work environment in government even more toxic.

Kevin Gosztola
By Kevin Gosztola
Facing Crisis Of Legitimacy, Trump Admin Promises Crackdown On Whistleblowers

Published in partnership with Shadowproof. President Donald Trump’s administration is in the throes of a crisis of legitimacy and leadership, with federal government employees concerned and unwilling to stay quiet about chaos, incompetence, and questionable acts unfolding within institutions. To respond to an increase in leaks to the press, the

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Venezuela’s US-Backed Opposition Turns Up The Violence Following Assembly Vote

Venezuela’s US-backed opposition shrewdly chose not to participate, recognizing that refusing to do so would be far more rewarding than running a slate of candidates that might lose to “Chavistas” or Maduro loyalists.

Kevin Gosztola
By Kevin Gosztola
An anti-government protester wields a shotgun taken from security forces during clashes in Caracas, Venezuela, May 8, 2017. The protest movement has drawn masses of people into the streets nearly every day since March, has left some three dozen dead. (AP/Ariana Cubillos)

Published in partnership with Shadowproof. The opposition in Venezuela, which is backed by the United States and supported by prominent human rights groups, like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, has played a key role in fomenting violence that has resulted in multiple deaths. However, most world leaders and press around the globe

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What Pushed A Senior EPA Official To Resign In Protest?

“The environmental field is suffering from the temporary triumph of myth over truth.”

Kevin Gosztola
By Kevin Gosztola
What Pushed A Senior EPA Official To Resign In Protest?

Published in partnership with Shadowproof. A senior Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official resigned from the agency in protest against EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s plans for massive industry deregulation that will threaten human health. The resignation comes as a federal appeals court in the D.C. Circuit upheld a ruling by the

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