Dissenters’ Digest takes a look back at the week’s stories covering whistleblowers, watchdogs, and government accountability. Look for it every Saturday evening at www.mspbwatch.net/digest.

Congress Troubled by Suspicious Death of Russian Whistleblower: Congress seeks to use legislative authority to punish Russian officials allegedly involved in the suspicious 2009 death of Russian whistle-blower and lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, according to The Hill. NPR reports that the bill in question could complicate US-Russian relations, jeopardizing Hillary Clinton’s 2009 “reset” with the Russian government. However, a person interviewed by NPR said a “reset … with Russian society” is required instead. The story of Magnitsky’s death has been chronicled in an award-winning documentary. Elsewhere, Firedoglake takes on the Congress for selective concern about civil and human rights.

Below the Fold:

• A whistleblower conference is scheduled for May 20-22 in Washington, D.C.
• A recently-unearthed FAA powerpoint presentation says the FAA “must evolve our safety oversight system and embrace the view that industry — not the regulator — is responsible for ensuring safety,” despite decades-old law placing safety regulation as the FAA’s highest priority.
• The first criminal charges are filed in the Deepwater Horizon gulf oil spill.
• Bradley Manning’s trial continues to be shrouded in secrecy.
• The Non-Federal Employee Whistleblower Protection Act reports out of a Senate committee. The bill would expand whistleblower protections for federal contractors.
• The House of Representatives passes the DATA Act, which would create a five-member commission to oversee federal spending.
• Vermont becomes the third state to call for a constitutional amendment overturning Citizens United v. FEC.
• Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein vows to pardon Bradley Manning as president.
• A Countrywide whistleblower laments the lack of accountability and ethics in the financial sector.
• A Missouri bill to restrict common law whistleblowing protections is passed in the General Assembly. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kevin Elmer, who has a record of sponsoring discriminatory and birther legislation.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission was accused this week of blowing a whistleblower’s cover. The SEC responds.
• The summary judgment provision in the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 comes under scrutiny.
• A federal employment attorney advises employees to violate the law when ordered to by superiors (notwithstanding their conscience or oath to the Constitution).
• The Make It Safe Campaign will hold a general membership meeting this Tuesday, May 1.

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