Snowden Cites Calls for Reform as Justifying Leaks

[dipsydoodle]

BERLIN, November 3 (RIA Novosti) – Fugitive US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden said in a self-described manifesto published Sunday that world leaders’ recent calls for reform of American surveillance programs justify his disclosure of classified information on such programs.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel in particular has called for European Union member states to reconsider cooperation with US intelligence agencies after she found out that her mobile phone had been tapped for about a decade according to information released by Snowden.

“Instead of causing damage, the usefulness of the new public knowledge for society is now clear because reforms to politics, supervision and laws are being suggested,” Snowden says in “A Manifesto for the Truth,” published in German by news magazine Der Spiegel.

“Citizens have to fight against the suppression of information about affairs of essential importance for the public. Those who speak the truth are not committing a crime,” he says, according to English-language quotes carried by Reuters.

http://en.ria.ru/world/20131103/184501740/Snowden-Cites-Calls-for-Reform-as-Justifying-Leaks.html

[goldent]

1. I don't see it.

Whenever spying is discovered, especially between allies (keeping in mind that allies doesn't imply friends), there is always a PR campaign to smooth things over. It doesn't mean a lot, and will soon be forgotten. But what won't be forgotten is how it was discovered. I can't see Snowden ever being pardoned - the precedent would be dangerous.

[jaysunb]

2. Funny guy.....n/t