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David McBride Locked Up for Exposing War Crimes // Jimmy Dore
Jimmy Dore | Trusted Newsmaker
Locked Up for Telling the Truth: The David McBride Case
Who Is David McBride?
David McBride is a decorated Australian military lawyer turned whistleblower. In May 2024, he was convicted for exposing war crimes committed by Australian forces in Afghanistan. His “crime”? Providing evidence to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) after internal attempts to raise the alarm failed.
A Warning Ignored
McBride first tried every legal channelsubmitting concerns to the AFP, the Minister of Defence, and the Attorney General. But his alarms were ignored. So he did what every ethical person should do: he went to the press. That decision cost him his freedom.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just an Australian story. It’s about what happens when the truth becomes criminal. McBrides case follows the pattern of Assange, Manning, Ellsbergall persecuted not for committing crimes, but for exposing them. The dangerous precedent here is that *telling the truth about war crimes* is punished more harshly than committing them.
The Real Target
While McBride sits in a cold prison cell, none of the 19 soldiers suspected of committing war crimes in Afghanistan are behind bars. Not one. Instead, its McBridewho merely tried to do his dutythats being made an example of.
Rule of Law or Rule of Obedience?
The legal battle is now in Australias High Court. His defense argues that a soldiers duty is not blind obedience, but adherence to international law and human rights. If that principle falls, we may as well erase the Nuremberg trials from history books.
The Human Cost
McBride has lost nearly everythinghis freedom, his marriage, and precious time with his daughters. He suffers from PTSD and moral injury. He sleeps with pillows arranged like his dog Jakey, trying to recreate a sliver of comfort. This is the price of telling the truth in a so-called democracy.
Media Silence, Public Support
Australias mainstream media has largely buried his story, while social media platforms and independent outlets like The Jimmy Dore Show have become vital lifelines. He receives letters and postcards in prison, reminders that not everyone has forgotten him.
A Global Fight for Truth
McBrides case is part of a global crackdown on free speech and whistleblowingfrom Gaza to Iran to the U.S. Its a litmus test for whether democracies are still governed by laws or by optics.
How You Can Help
Supporters are encouraged to donate to McBrides legal defense via Chuffed.org, send morale-boosting letters, and share his story widely. Every postcard counts. Every tweet, post, or conversation helps counter a global machine that thrives on silence.
The Bottom Line
David McBride did not betray Australia. He upheld its highest values. Now, it’s our turn to stand up for him. If exposing war crimes is illegal, then justice itself is in chains.
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