He went to jail for exposing America’s darkest 9/11 secret. Should Trump pardon him?

It’s 25 years since the 9/11 attacks; in the aftermath, the CIA hunted down those responsible – detaining suspects and subjecting them to ‘enhanced interrogation.’ One of the prisoners who was subjected to these tactics was Abu Zubaydah, who, at the time, was thought to be a top member of al-Qaeda. John Kiriakou, a former CIA operative who led the operation to capture Zubaydah, blew the whistle on the torture that prisoners like him experienced. As a result, Kiriakou went to prison, as well. Now, he’s asking President Trump for clemency.

This episode contains descriptions of violence and torture.

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Guest: Josie Ensor, chief US reporter, The Times

Host: Manveen Rana

Producer: Sophie McNulty

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Read more: I went to jail for exposing America’s darkest 9/11 secret. Trump should pardon me

Further listening: The 9/11 suspect - part 1

Clips: ABC News, C-SPAN, Cleared Hot Podcast.

Photo: Michael McCoy for The Times.

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