Going Underground Episode Archive

Afshin Rattansi goes underground on when WikiLeaks met Google. Julian Assange discusses the meeting he had in 2011 with Eric Schmidt, then a top executive and now chairman of Google, and 3 others. He says the meeting was nominally over a book that was being written, which was published and had pre-publication endorsements from the likes of Tony Blair and Henry Kissinger, but the question he wanted to know was why was this book being written? He examines the networks behind Google, and their 'in-house state department' Google ideas, and reveals that they are pushing the position that the State should control what is and is not published, to the extent of a state body overseeing whistleblowers that they have to go through before they can release any material. He says that Google is in bed with the state department, citing as an example that the girlfriend of Eric Schmidt contacted him regarding arranging a meeting with Hilary Clinton. He also points out that the argument the US military use against WikiLeaks, that the publication of cables could theoretically cause harm, was undermined when the general charged with investigating any harm caused by WikiLeaks testified under oath at the trial of Chelsea Manning that they couldn't find a single person that had been harmed. He also talks about the mistakes he believe the Guardian made, and how HBGary tendered $2 million a month to attack WikiLeaks and Glen Greenwald. He talks about some of the more recent publications he has made, such as FinFisher, a cyberweapon which can hijack mobile phones and turn on the microphone, and can infect massive amounts of computers by putting itself in the major gateway of a country or ISP. He warns whilst people may be suspicious of the intentions of the NSA and the like regarding the internet, associations you may perceive to be working the other way are funded by the same players. He also points out that the amount of people with security clearances in the US has more than doubled since 2010, with 6 million people now part of this 'state within a state' who are subject to extra laws and requirements that are classified – 'an extremely alarming phenomenon'.

Going Underground's Farhaan Ahmed talks to John Pilger after Julian Assange's US extradition hearing, where it was decided that Julian would not face a full extradition hearing next year until after the 24th of February.

We speak to activist and agent-provocateur Joe Corré on Julian Assange’s US extradition case. He discusses why this is the biggest press freedom case of our lifetimes, the message the US is trying to send by trying to extradite Assange, his condition in Belmarsh prison and mental health, Wikileaks’ role in holding politicians to account, regardless of political leaning and more!

Afshin goes underground on comparisons of Russia and the Nazi’s. Plus what he thinks about RT’s bank accounts being blocked

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to world-famous communist philosopher and author of ‘Pandemic!: COVID-19 shakes the world’, Slavoj Zizek. He discusses different Coronavirus responses from governments around the world, from the ‘capitalist barbarism’ of Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, to the responses of Governors like Andrew Cuomo, why the world as we know it no longer exists, the discovery of a new working class of nurses, caretakers and essential staff, class warfare in the pandemic world, why capitalism and free markets cannot be relied on for handling future crises, why he believes some form of communism is needed in the post-Coronavirus world, the need for increased international health collaboration and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Board Chair of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation as well as the Special Envoy got ACT Accelerator. She discusses the public-private partnerships working on a Coronavirus vaccine, what ACT (Access to COVID-19 Tools) Accelerator is and the work they are doing to develop vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics and make them accessible to all, why Africa’s Coronavirus death rate is so low, how the Coronavirus vaccine will be a public good and whether big pharma is involved for the sake of earning massive profits. Next, we speak to Alexander Zevin, author of ‘Liberalism at Large: The World According to The Economist’. He exposes The Economist’s deep involvement in promoting free trade and the Laissez-faire disaster in Ireland during the Irish famine, pushing Western foreign policy goals such as the Pinochet coup in Chile, to the coup in Iran in 1953, to US-backed regime change operations in Venezuela today. He also discusses the class dimension to the rise of The Economist magazine, and why it it is so highly sought after for advertising purposes.

We speak to Lord Barker, the former UK State Minister for Energy and Climate Change Lord Barker. He discusses the scale of the challenge ahead in tackling the climate crisis as the UK hosts COP26, the role of the private sector in fighting climate change, the UK’s strides in reducing carbon emissions, Russia’s rapid turn towards a green economy, criticism’s on China’a record and more.

We speak to Jonathon Porritt, author of ‘Hope in Hell: A Decade to Confront the Climate Emergency’. He discusses whether people can expect a success or failure in an agreement being reached at COP26 that could turn the tide against climate change, lying by fossil fuel companies on net zero targets, Boris Johnsons’s record on climate change and his recent comments rubbishing plastic recycling, the absence of Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping from COP26 and much more!

Ws speak to Changhua Wu, Executive Director of the Professional Association for China’s Environment. She discusses the COP 15 biodiversity conference and the UK’s and China’s close cooperation on the two issues, the COP 26 summit being held in Glasgow, the blame put on China for the climate crisis and the massive strides China is taking in renewable energy production for the world, how seriously US Envoy John Kerry is taken, why no country is doing enough to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees and much more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Cherie Blair QC about her case defending Russian businesswoman Masha Lazareva, who has been imprisoned for over 400+ days in a Kuwaiti prison. Next we speak to Prince Charles Advisor Sir Jonathon Porritt about climate change, impending climate disaster, big oil corporate sponsorships, the need for immediate renewable energy investment, Extinction Rebellion and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to UN Sanctions Rapporteur Idriss Jazairy on the escalating crisis between the US and Iran, why sanctions never achieve their goals of regime change, how endless sanctions without room for negotiation could mean war, US sanctions killing 40,000+ in Venezuela and more! Next we speak to Lizzie O’Shea, author of ‘Future Histories’ on the history of mass surveillance and policing, how police and mass surveillance have been used throughout history and today to protect class interests and maintain the status quo, how big tech companies are inhibiting freedom and why the technological revolution has disappointed! Statement from an EU spokesperson regarding sanctions and Venezuela: “Let me stress that the European Union does not have sanctions on Venezuela. What we have in place are targeted individual restrictive measures on individuals that have had responsibilities in terms of either violence or of obstructing the democratic process. They do not affect Venezuela as a country or the Venezuelan people. Our primary concern is the improvement of the humanitarian situation in the country and the well-being of the Venezuelan population”.

On this episode of Going Underground we speak to former head of the IMF and former Caretaker Prime Minister of Italy Carlo Cottarelli on the percieved future Italian budget deficit and confidence crisis, Euroscepticism and populism as well as possible solutions to Italy's ongoing economic woes. Next we speak to American conservative writer David Horowitz on what he believes is the left's agenda to destroy the dominant religion in America, left totalitarianism, why he calls Iran the 'modern day Nazis' and more. Finally we speak to Iranian Professor Seyed Mohammed Marandi on David Horowitz' allegations about Iran being medieval and barbaric as well as the Gulf of Oman tanker incident which Western powers such as the US and UK allege to be Iran's doing.

. On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to ex-UKIP MP Douglas Carswell on his opinion on Boris Johnson becoming Prime Minister, what this will mean for Brexit, his plans to shake-up the perceived anti-Brexit Whitehall, what Dominic Cummings (the former head of the Vote Leave campaign) becoming a senior aide to Boris Johnson means and the possibility of a no-deal Brexit! Next we speak to Ian Paisley Jr. MP on the likelihood of a United Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the likelihood of Northern Irish voters voting for reunification, the DUP’s confidence and supply agreement with the Conservative Party and whether this will change with Boris Johnson’s premiership and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to adviser to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, Paul Oquist Kelley on the Sandinista Revolution, 40 years on, the history of the Nicaraguan fight against US imperialism, accusations of human rights abuses under Daniel Ortega after the failed coup attempt last year, LGBT rights in Nicaragua and the Defend Media Conference which RT and Sputnik were barred from. Next we speak to Game of Thrones star Jerome Flynn, who plays Bronn in the series about US-style factory farms coming to the UK, how present meat production methods are destroying the planet, the climate change emergency, Extinction Rebellion and its meteoric rise, the growth at all costs attitude of neoliberal politicians and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to the UK’s former Ambassador to Libya Peter Millett on the rise of General Khalifa Haftar, why he has allies in the international community, why his brute military force is not the answer to solve Libya’s crisis, allegations of UK backing of Islamist and jihadist groups in Libya and more. Next we speak to Muammar Gaddafi’s former health minister and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mustafa El Zaidi on why General Haftar has popular appeal in Libya, why the UN-backed government in Tripoli is doomed to fall, the Tripoli government’s use of militias, the his accusations of the West being set out to destroy Libya from the start, not just to remove Gaddafi and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to the Trump Champaign’s Foreign Policy Adviser George Papadopolous on British interference in the 2016 election, how the British state kept tabs on him regularly, the U.K. establishment’s focus on Russia and NATO throughout the campaign and Boris Johnson’s links to the CIA. Next we speak to Chris Williamson MP in an exclusive interview after his suspension by the Labour Party was lifted. This interview was recorded before the Labour Party suspended Chris Williamson again. Chris talks about how he wants to unite with the Board of Deputies of British Jews to fight antisemitism, what Corbyn’s possible election could mean for world peace, post-Brexit Britain, poverty, inequality and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Labour Peer in the House of Lords Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe MP on Boris Johnson’s government heading towards a no deal Brexit, the impact it will have on the poorest in society, his thoughts on Boris Johnson’s new cabinet and aides and also why he isn’t optimistic of Labour winning a general election under Jeremy Corbyn. Next we speak to Going Underground’s Deputy Editor Charlie Cooke on Boris Johnson’s new cabinet and the controversies surrounding Home Secretary Priti Patel and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. Finally, we speak to Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Seyed Sajjadpour on the recent incidents involving tankers in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, how Iran will deal with the UK holding Iran’s tanker, the lessons learned by Iranians over the US withdrawing from the JCPOA and why Iran does not accept Mike Pompeo’s and the US’ requests for negotiations! STATEMENT FROM VIASAT: Ms. Patel was advising Viasat on a matter with respect to India; it did not involve any UK work. From our understanding, Ms. Patel sought and obtained the requisite approvals as disclosed in the published letter from the Chair of the Office of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.

. On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to UN Undersecretary General Sir Mark Lowcock on the Yemen crisis, he discusses the worsening humanitarian situation, the degradation of civilian infrastructure and the looming possibility of the world’s worst environmental crisis ever if the SAFER oil tanker facility explodes or collapses. Next we speak to former Minister of State at the Home Office Norman Baker for this week’s latest stories including the Tories’ by-election loss to the Lib Dems in the Brecon by-election and what this means for Boris Johnson, Tulsi Gabbard directly accusing Trump of supporting Al-Qaeda in Syria, corporate courts after Brexit and the Cameroon conflict turning climate-stressed farmers into ‘food beggars’. Finally we speak to Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD for Sinn Fein regarding the likelihood of a united Ireland after a no deal Brexit, whether the island of Ireland is prepared for a no-deal brexit, his thoughts on Boris Johnson’s cabinet appointments such as Home Secretary Priti Patel who famously threatened to starve Ireland and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Indian author and Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research Vijay Prashad on India’s revocation of Article 370 and the 35th Amendment for Jammu and Kashmir. He discusses this as a sign that Indian federalism is under threat and that the BJP wants an authoritarian, centralised India, why the move was anti-democratic and will alienate Kashmiris, why viewing Kashmir through the lens of terrorism is narrow, his belief that a deal was done between India and China to allow India to revoke Article 370 and for China to keep Aksai Chin and also the imprisonment of Brazil’s Lula Da Silva. Next we speak to The Grayzone’s Aaron Mate on the collapse of Russiagate and the Mueller investigation, sanctions on Venezuela and regime change efforts, regime change efforts against Iran and why they’re doomed to fail and more!

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to former Conservative and UKIP MP Douglas Carswell on his new book Progress vs Parasites, secrets behind the rise of China and India, the media and politicians being out of touch with the British populace-leading to Brexit, a repudiation of Marx’ outlook on human history and more! Next, we speak to Mic Dixon, director of the War School documentary, about the militarisation of British schoolchildren via seemingly benign programs to educate children about the military...but as Mic Dixon reveals, these programs allegedly have arguably sinister agendas.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Stefania Maurizi on on taking her 4 year legal battle to access Assange’s extradition files to the UK upper tribunal, why this extradition case is a case against journalists everywhere, how Julian Assange’s heath has been systematically ‘destroyed’ and why a fair trial cannot occur for Assange without full access to these extradition files. Next we speak to former Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Opik on the EU standing up to the US over Iran sanctions, Israeli bombardment of Syria killing Syrian children, Boris Johnson’s backing of bankers and the emerging threat of deep sea mining. Finally, we speak to award-winning director Philippe Faucon on his film Amin, depicting the life of a Senegalese immigrant facing social dislocation and isolation and eventually love in France.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Consultant Editor of the Daily Mail Andrew Pierce about Boris Johnson winning the Tory leadership contest, how long he things Boris Johnson will last before a no confidence motion, why Tory MPs are less likely to rebel against him, the crisis in the Labour Party and more. Next we speak to Sinn Fein’s Mickey Brady MP who states Sinn Fein’s position on Boris Johnson, how Ireland’s Leo Varadkar should stand firm with the EU in negotiating with Boris and whether a no-deal Brexit could make a united Ireland more likely. Finally we speak to Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Dr. Rupert Read on how Extinction Rebellion will approach a Boris Johnson premiership, whether XR has plans for more mass protests and more! STATEMENT FROM ANDREA LEADSOM: “A good education is the greatest gift that that we as a society can give our children. I applaud the superb commitment of so many students to campaigning for faster action on climate change and I share their ambition. But I do believe it’s vital that schooldays are not lost, and I urge students to carry out their campaigning out of school hours.”

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Dr. Gabor Maté who discusses the second anniversary of the Grenfell tower tragedy, the impact of austerity on the UK, drugs and addiction and why they are becoming so prevalent in today’s society, the role of Tory Leadership favourite Boris Johnson in creating the environment in which drugs and addiction are booming, as well as the ongoing persecution of Julian Assange. Next we speak to John Shipton, Julian Assange’s father after he visited his son Julian Assange in Belmarsh Prison. Finally, we speak to former Minister of the Interior of IcelandÖgmundur Jónasson on how he kicked out a team of FBI investigators from Iceland who were trying to frame Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to former Congressman Ron Paul on recent tensions with Iran. He discusses Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran Deal (JCPOA), the news that his son Rand Paul may be appointed as a special liaison to negotiate with Iran, why the US needs to stop interfering in the Middle East, why NATO needs to dissolve and more. Next we speak to Space Race historian John Logsdon on the secrets of the Space Race such as Hitler’s scientist in charge of rocket in charge of NASA’s flight program, a possible joint Soviet-US moon landing had JFK not been assassinated, possible human presence on Mars, the US using Russian Soyuz rockets for the last 10 years and the threat of asteroids. STATEMENT FROM THE EMBASSY OF CHINA: Outer space belongs to all mankind and it is the shared responsibility of the international community to uphold outer space security.China upholds the peaceful use of outer space and opposes weaponizing outer space or space arms race. For many years, China has been working hard with other countries to try to reach an international legal instrument to prevent the weaponization of or an arms race in outer space. There have been some negative moves relating to the security of outer space recently. Some big country has described outer space as the "new war-fighting domain" and announced to establish a "space force" to regularly conduct outer space exercises, which makes it more likely to turn the risks of weaponizing outer space into reality and make the outer space a battlefield. Despite all these, the big country has been calling others "outer space security threats" to justify its own military build-up in outer space and R&D in advanced weapons. If the relevant party cares about the security of outer space, it should work with China and the international community and actively participate in the arms control process of outer space in order to make its due contributions to maintaining outer space security instead of doing the opposite.

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Liana Kanelli, member of the Hellenic Parliament for the Communist Party of Greece about the upcoming Greek elections, the projected defeat of the far-right Golden Dawn, Syriza turn from revolution to enforcing EU austerity, having no hope for a government led by Syriza or New Democracy and Brussels ruling her country. Next we speak to Dr Yousef Jabareen, Arab-Israeli MP on the upcoming Palestine expo, Trump’s alliance with Benjamin Netanyahu and his thoughts on the ‘Deal of the Century’. Finally we speak to Asifa Lahore, Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen about growing up during the era of Section 28 and facing homophobic bullying growing up, the role of Trans women in the fight for LGBT rights, including in the Stonewall Riots and how LGBT rights is progressing on the Asian continent!