New York Times, Guardian call for Snowden clemency
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The New York Times and Guardian newspapers called yesterday for US leaker Edward Snowden to be granted clemency for his revelations on US government spying.
The two dailies in separate editorials hailed the fugitive computer specialist, who has sought refuge in Russia after leaking reams of information about the secretive US National Security Agency and its data gathering techniques.
“He may have committed a crime to do so, but he has done his country a great service,” the Times wrote.
“It is time for the United States to offer Mr Snowden a plea bargain or some form of clemency.”
Britain’s Guardian newspaper urged Washington “to allow Mr Snowden to return to the US with dignity,” calling his revelations exposing the extent of Washington’s electronic eavesdropping at home and abroad an act of “moral courage.”
The Times called on the US government to offer Snowden a deal that “would allow him to return home (and) face at least substantially reduced punishment.”
The National Security Council, President Barack Obama’s in-house forum at the White House for national security and foreign affairs, yesterday declined to comment.
Obama has said he welcomes debate about the NSA’s role as he weighs possible changes to its broad powers, but has refused to discuss the possibility of amnesty or a presidential pardon for Snowden.
Last month, the White House renewed its demand for Snowden to return home to face trial.
“Our position has not changed on that matter at all,” said White House spokesman Jay Carney.
“Mr Snowden has been accused of leaking classified information and faces felony charges here in the United States.”
Snowden leaked details of secret surveillance schemes to media including The Washington Post and The Guardian.
US federal prosecutors have filed a criminal complaint against Snowden, charging him with espionage and felony theft of government property.
Calls to offer Snowden clemency gathered steam yesterday when Human Rights Watch’s executive director Kenneth Roth tweeted that “Snowden exposed major misconduct. Others filing official complaints were ignored/persecuted. He should be pardoned.”
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