Edward Snowden calls for overhaul of whistleblowing after Pentagon source revelations

Whistleblower Thomas Drake was arrested and financially ruined in 2011, as revealed by a Pentagon source

The new information casts doubt on Snowden's critics who say he could have operated via internal channels (EPA)

Edward Snowden has called for “iron-clad” protections for whistleblowers at the US National Security Agency after the former head of the whistleblower department revealed the dangerous situation people put themselves in when deciding to reveal the truth.

John Crane, a former senior official in the Department of Defense, has recounted the story of former senior executive of the NSA and whistle-blower Thomas Drake, whose defence case was destroyed by the FBI.

The story casts doubt on president Obama and Hillary Clinton, who claimed that Mr Snowden could have leaked information via the proper channels, inside the NSA.

Mr Snowden told The Guardian: “We need iron-clad, enforceable protections for whistle-blowers, and we need a public record of success stories. Protect the people who go to members of Congress with oversight roles, and if their efforts lead to a positive change in policy – recognize them for their efforts. There are no incentives for people to stand up against an agency on the wrong side of the law today, and that’s got to change.”

“The sad reality of today’s policies is that going to the inspector general with evidence of truly serious wrongdoing is often a mistake. Going to the press involves serious risks, but at least you’ve got a chance,” he added.

In 2002 Mr Crane’s office was contacted by Thomas Drake, who was concerned about a government mass surveillance program that he thought was costly, ineffective and possibly illegal.

Mr Drake provided the department with “volumes of information” to help the department compile a report against the tool used for this program, called "Trailblazer".

Mr Crane said he suspects one of his colleagues might have betrayed Mr Drake’s confidentiality as Mr Drake was eventually arrested.

“That would be such a negative example that future whistleblowers, rather than working within the system, which is what Drake did, they would work outside the system and they would compromise classified information,” said Mr Crane.

Mr Drake’s ordeal left him financially ruined.

He is about to tell his story in a new book, “Bravehearts: Whistle Blowing In The Age Of Snowden”, by Mark Hertsgaard.