Whistleblower Edward Snowden warned that surveillance technology has become much more advanced and intrusive in today's time. He said that&nbsp;the surveillance technology which was&nbsp;being used by the US and British intelligence agencies earlier and was revealed by him in 2013 looks like child’s play. 
 
Speaking at the 10th anniversary of his revelations about the scale of surveillance which was used by the US National Security Agency and its British counterpart GCHQ, some of which was illegal, Snowden said that he does not regret what he did and cited positive changes. 
 
However, he feels depressed about inroads into privacy, both in the digital and physical world. 
 
“Technology has grown to be enormously influential. If we think about what we saw in 2013 and the capabilities of governments today, 2013 seems like child’s play,” Snowden said.

<h2>Dangers of AI, video surveillance cameras, facial recognition</h2>

He also emphasised the dangers that Big Tech and governments posed and also expressed concerns about artificial intelligence, commercially available video surveillance cameras, and facial recognition, along with intrusive spyware such as Pegasus which are used against journalists and dissidents.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-snowden-leaks-a-decade-later-when-no-limits-surveillance-by-us-intelligence-was-exposed-601157">Explained | Snowden leaks, a decade later: When no limits surveillance by US intelligence was exposed</a>

Talking about the revelations he made in 2013 about surveillance, Snowden said, “We trusted the government not to screw us. But they did. We trusted the tech companies not to take advantage of us. But they did. That is going to happen again because that is the nature of power.” 
 
End-to-end encryption “was a pipe dream in 2013 when the story broke”, he said. “An enormous fraction of global internet traffic travelled electronically naked. Now, it is a rare sight,” the whistleblower added. 
 
However, Snowden expressed his worry about the technological advances that have been eating into privacy. “The idea that after the revelations in 2013, there would be rainbows and unicorns the next day is not realistic. It is an ongoing process. And we will have to be working at it for the rest of our lives and our children’s lives and beyond,” he said.

<h2>Exile since 2013</h2>

Since 2013, Snowden has been in exile in Russia after he fled from Hong Kong, where tens of thousands of top-secret documents were handed over by him to journalists. 
 
He has been denounced by his detractors for staying in Russia, though it looks like the only realistic option he has other than staying in jail in the US.

WATCH |&nbsp;US whistleblower Edward Snowden swear allegiance to Russia

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He has faced a lot of criticism since Ukraine was invaded and he acquired Russian citizenship last year, two years after his application. 
 
However, despite his personal predicament, the whistleblower does not prefer to dwell on the past. “I have no regrets,” he stated. In the last two years, Snowden has reduced his public profile, giving less number of speeches, and avoiding press interviews as well as social media.&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Whistleblower Edward Snowden warned that surveillance technology has become much more advanced and intrusive in today's time. He said that the surveillance technology which was being used by the US and British intelligence agencies earlier and was revealed by him in 2013 looks like child’s play.

Whistleblower Edward Snowden warned that surveillance technology has become much more advanced and intrusive in today's time. He said that the surveillance technology which was being used by the US and British intelligence agencies earlier and was revealed by him in 2013 looks like child’s play. Speaking at the 10th anniversary of his revelations about the scale of surveillance which was used by the US National Security Agency and its British counterpart GCHQ, some of which was illegal, Snowden said that he does not regret what he did and cited positive changes. However, he feels depressed about inroads into privacy, both in the digital and physical world. “Technology has grown to be enormously influential. If we think about what we saw in 2013 and the capabilities of governments today, 2013 seems like child’s play,” Snowden said. Dangers of AI, video surveillance cameras, facial recognition He also emphasised the dangers that Big Tech and governments posed and also expressed concerns about artificial intelligence, commercially available video surveillance cameras, and facial recognition, along with intrusive spyware such as Pegasus which are used against journalists and dissidents. ALSO READ | Explained | Snowden leaks, a decade later: When no limits surveillance by US intelligence was exposed Talking about the revelations he made in 2013 about surveillance, Snowden said, “We trusted the government not to screw us. But they did. We trusted the tech companies not to take advantage of us. But they did. That is going to happen again because that is the nature of power.” End-to-end encryption “was a pipe dream in 2013 when the story broke”, he said. “An enormous fraction of global internet traffic travelled electronically naked. Now, it is a rare sight,” the whistleblower added. However, Snowden expressed his worry about the technological advances that have been eating into privacy. “The idea that after the revelations in 2013, there would be rainbows and unicorns the next day is not realistic. It is an ongoing process. And we will have to be working at it for the rest of our lives and our children’s lives and beyond,” he said. Exile since 2013 Since 2013, Snowden has been in exile in Russia after he fled from Hong Kong, where tens of thousands of top-secret documents were handed over by him to journalists. He has been denounced by his detractors for staying in Russia, though it looks like the only realistic option he has other than staying in jail in the US. WATCH | US whistleblower Edward Snowden swear allegiance to Russia He has faced a lot of criticism since Ukraine was invaded and he acquired Russian citizenship last year, two years after his application. However, despite his personal predicament, the whistleblower does not prefer to dwell on the past. “I have no regrets,” he stated. In the last two years, Snowden has reduced his public profile, giving less number of speeches, and avoiding press interviews as well as social media. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Whistleblower Edward Snowden says ‘no regrets’ after 10 years in exile

A decade ago, much before the dawn of Artificial Intelligence emerged on internet's horizon,&nbsp;US whistleblower Edward Snowden stunned the world with revelations that the massive US spy apparatus was secretly monitoring communications and private data on people around the world.&nbsp;

His revelations, apart from triggering crucial debates about state surveillance programmes,&nbsp;led to advancing of privacy protections in Europe and the United States and accelerated the use of encryption.

A former consultant at the&nbsp;US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Snowden became&nbsp;one of the world's most consequential whistleblowers of all time for the monumental exposé of US government, revealing that Washington was executing&nbsp;large-scale surveillance of its own citizens and abroad.

Ten years later, Snowden lives in exile in Moscow as a naturalised Russian citizen. At the same time, the US intelligence still collects&nbsp;huge amounts of private electronically stored and transmitted information.&nbsp;

<h2>Edward Snowden's&nbsp;exposé: Top Revelations</h2>

Snowden revealed that no one was safe from the electronic prying by the US National Security Agency (NSA), least of all Americans, whose private communications are supposedly constitutionally protected.&nbsp;

At the age of 29, Snowden, who worked as an NSA systems administrator, downloaded thousands of classified documents from the NSA and CIA.

These documents provided evidence of a global data collection operation that had gained momentum after the 9/11 terror attacks.

Snowden shared these documents with journalists, which revealed how the US intelligence community collaborated with organisations like Britain's GCHQ [Government Communications Headquarters] to compile dossiers on billions of individuals without any reasonable suspicion.

The documents also disclosed that the US had the capability to intercept the communications of the&nbsp;leaders of countries, including its allies.

The NSA's Prism programme was exposed, under which the US collected user data from internet giants like Google and Facebook, sometimes without their consent.

Also watch |&nbsp;Putin grants citizenship to Edward Snowden; exposed surveillance by NSA

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Furthermore, the NSA obtained call records from major cell provider Verizon and routinely extracted data from public institutions such as companies, hospitals, and universities.

<h2>Edward Snowden's revelations: The No Limits intelligence collection</h2>

Snowden said that the problem lay not in justifying these activities for counter-terrorism purposes but in the fact that these were secretive programmes with virtually no limits. He emphasised the importance of public discourse in determining where&nbsp;such programmes and policies were right or not.

The public response to Snowden's revelations was characterised by outrage, but it also sparked a backlash from US intelligence agencies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-sri-lankan-refugees-who-hid-edward-snowden-in-hong-kong-begin-new-lives-in-canada-416868">Four Sri Lankan refugees who hid Edward Snowden in Hong Kong begin new lives in Canada</a>

They accused Snowden of severely compromising counter-terrorism efforts and assisting America's adversaries. However, the intelligence community refrained from providing a detailed account of the damage caused, instead highlighting the prevention of numerous attacks as a result of their surveillance activities.

<h2>Edward Snowden's&nbsp;exposé: The impact</h2>

In 2016, James Clapper, the national intelligence director at the time, acknowledged that Snowden's actions had made the NSA's work more challenging by pressuring internet and mobile communication companies, as well as app developers, to enhance encryption in their services.

According to Ben Wizner, an attorney for Snowden and the American Civil Liberties Union, the leaks bolstered civil liberties, even though an increasing number of internet companies continue to collect user data.

Wizner told news agency AFP that Snowden's revelations compelled the White House, the US Congress, and the judiciary to reverse their course on secretive surveillance practices, leading to the revision and cancellation of certain programmes.

He pointed out that for the first time since the 1970s, Congress legislated to reduce rather than expand surveillance authorities.

The impact of Snowden's global surveillance revelations was particularly evident in Europe. The European Union implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, aiming to restrict the power of US companies like Google and Facebook in collecting and exploiting user data.

The impact of Snowden's global surveillance revelations was particularly evident in Europe. The European Union implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, aiming to restrict the power of US companies like Google and Facebook in collecting and exploiting user data.

Many ask, why did Snowden give up on information the US deemed confidential. In his past interviews, he has cited it to be a matter of principles. That's why, Snowden told Guardian once, he gave up his freedom in the United States and a comfortable lifestyle.

<h2>Transparency is important: Snowden</h2>

"There are more important things than money. If I were motivated by money, I could have sold these documents to any number of countries and gotten very rich," he told The Guardian shortly after his revelations exposed the previously confidential realities of the US government.

"I carefully evaluated every single document I disclosed to ensure that each was legitimately in the public interest," he said. "There are all sorts of documents that would have made a big impact that I didn’t turn over, because harming people isn’t my goal. Transparency is."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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A decade ago, much before the dawn of Artificial Intelligence emerged on internet's horizon, US whistleblower Edward Snowden stunned the world with revelations that the massive US spy apparatus was secretly monitoring communications and private data on people around the world.

A decade ago, much before the dawn of Artificial Intelligence emerged on internet's horizon, US whistleblower Edward Snowden stunned the world with revelations that the massive US spy apparatus was secretly monitoring communications and private data on people around the world. His revelations, apart from triggering crucial debates about state surveillance programmes, led to advancing of privacy protections in Europe and the United States and accelerated the use of encryption. A former consultant at the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Snowden became one of the world's most consequential whistleblowers of all time for the monumental exposé of US government, revealing that Washington was executing large-scale surveillance of its own citizens and abroad. Ten years later, Snowden lives in exile in Moscow as a naturalised Russian citizen. At the same time, the US intelligence still collects huge amounts of private electronically stored and transmitted information. Edward Snowden's exposé: Top Revelations Snowden revealed that no one was safe from the electronic prying by the US National Security Agency (NSA), least of all Americans, whose private communications are supposedly constitutionally protected. At the age of 29, Snowden, who worked as an NSA systems administrator, downloaded thousands of classified documents from the NSA and CIA. These documents provided evidence of a global data collection operation that had gained momentum after the 9/11 terror attacks. Snowden shared these documents with journalists, which revealed how the US intelligence community collaborated with organisations like Britain's GCHQ [Government Communications Headquarters] to compile dossiers on billions of individuals without any reasonable suspicion. The documents also disclosed that the US had the capability to intercept the communications of the leaders of countries, including its allies. The NSA's Prism programme was exposed, under which the US collected user data from internet giants like Google and Facebook, sometimes without their consent. Also watch | Putin grants citizenship to Edward Snowden; exposed surveillance by NSA × Furthermore, the NSA obtained call records from major cell provider Verizon and routinely extracted data from public institutions such as companies, hospitals, and universities. Edward Snowden's revelations: The No Limits intelligence collection Snowden said that the problem lay not in justifying these activities for counter-terrorism purposes but in the fact that these were secretive programmes with virtually no limits. He emphasised the importance of public discourse in determining where such programmes and policies were right or not. The public response to Snowden's revelations was characterised by outrage, but it also sparked a backlash from US intelligence agencies. Also read | Four Sri Lankan refugees who hid Edward Snowden in Hong Kong begin new lives in Canada They accused Snowden of severely compromising counter-terrorism efforts and assisting America's adversaries. However, the intelligence community refrained from providing a detailed account of the damage caused, instead highlighting the prevention of numerous attacks as a result of their surveillance activities. Edward Snowden's exposé: The impact In 2016, James Clapper, the national intelligence director at the time, acknowledged that Snowden's actions had made the NSA's work more challenging by pressuring internet and mobile communication companies, as well as app developers, to enhance encryption in their services. According to Ben Wizner, an attorney for Snowden and the American Civil Liberties Union, the leaks bolstered civil liberties, even though an increasing number of internet companies continue to collect user data. Wizner told news agency AFP that Snowden's revelations compelled the White House, the US Congress, and the judiciary to reverse their course on secretive surveillance practices, leading to the revision and cancellation of certain programmes. He pointed out that for the first time since the 1970s, Congress legislated to reduce rather than expand surveillance authorities. The impact of Snowden's global surveillance revelations was particularly evident in Europe. The European Union implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, aiming to restrict the power of US companies like Google and Facebook in collecting and exploiting user data. The impact of Snowden's global surveillance revelations was particularly evident in Europe. The European Union implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, aiming to restrict the power of US companies like Google and Facebook in collecting and exploiting user data. Many ask, why did Snowden give up on information the US deemed confidential. In his past interviews, he has cited it to be a matter of principles. That's why, Snowden told Guardian once, he gave up his freedom in the United States and a comfortable lifestyle. Transparency is important: Snowden "There are more important things than money. If I were motivated by money, I could have sold these documents to any number of countries and gotten very rich," he told The Guardian shortly after his revelations exposed the previously confidential realities of the US government. "I carefully evaluated every single document I disclosed to ensure that each was legitimately in the public interest," he said. "There are all sorts of documents that would have made a big impact that I didn’t turn over, because harming people isn’t my goal. Transparency is." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Snowden leaks, a decade later: When no limits surveillance by US intelligence was exposed

Former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden has sworn an oath of allegiance to Russia and has received a Russian passport. This comes after President Vladimir Putin granted him Russian citizenship in September this year.

US whistleblower Edward Snowden swear allegiance to Russia

Edward Snowden is in news once again.&nbsp;

Former US intelligence whistleblower has&nbsp;received a Russian passport on Friday (Nov 02) after swearing an oath of allegiance to Russia.&nbsp;

Snowden's lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told the news agency TASS, "Yes, he got [a passport], he took the oath."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/edward-snowden-a-hero-or-a-traitor-520101">Also read |&nbsp;Who is Edward Snowden, the US whistleblower who just got Russian citizenship?</a>

Snowden&nbsp;was granted Russian citizenship by Russian President Vladimir Putin in September this year.&nbsp;

The whistleblower has been wanted back in the US by the authorities for years to stand for investigations for espionage. He left the country after disclosing top-secret reports exposing surveillance practices of the US's National Security Agency (NSA).

White House's official John Kirby told reporters on Friday over the report, "This is still a criminal investigative matter."

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I'm in Russia because the White House intentionally canceled my passport to trap me here. They *downed the President of Bolivia's diplomatic aircraft* to prevent me from leaving, and continue to interfere with my freedom of movement to this day. 
 
In case that was unclear. <a href="https://t.co/hOb2Azc41G">https://t.co/hOb2Azc41G</a>
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/1598753507519369216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-grants-snowden-russian-citizenship-people-ask-will-the-whisteblower-be-drafted-into-army-519919">Also read |&nbsp;Putin grants Snowden Russian citizenship, people ask will the whisteblower be 'drafted into army'?</a>

As per media reports, Snowden's family has been living in Russia since then. They are living in an undisclosed location. His wife, Lindsay Mills is also said to be applying for Russian citizenship.&nbsp;

Defenders of Snowden him as a modern-day renegade for revealing the US's espionage and alleged privacy violations. However, opposers remark him as a traitor who put lives in peril by divulging the US's reports.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Edward Snowden is in news once again. Former US intelligence whistleblower has received a Russian passport on Friday (Nov 02) after swearing an oath of allegiance to Russia.

Edward Snowden is in news once again. Former US intelligence whistleblower has received a Russian passport on Friday (Nov 02) after swearing an oath of allegiance to Russia. Snowden's lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told the news agency TASS, "Yes, he got [a passport], he took the oath." Also read | Who is Edward Snowden, the US whistleblower who just got Russian citizenship? Snowden was granted Russian citizenship by Russian President Vladimir Putin in September this year. The whistleblower has been wanted back in the US by the authorities for years to stand for investigations for espionage. He left the country after disclosing top-secret reports exposing surveillance practices of the US's National Security Agency (NSA). White House's official John Kirby told reporters on Friday over the report, "This is still a criminal investigative matter." I'm in Russia because the White House intentionally canceled my passport to trap me here. They *downed the President of Bolivia's diplomatic aircraft* to prevent me from leaving, and continue to interfere with my freedom of movement to this day. In case that was unclear. https://t.co/hOb2Azc41G — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) December 2, 2022 × Also read | Putin grants Snowden Russian citizenship, people ask will the whisteblower be 'drafted into army'? As per media reports, Snowden's family has been living in Russia since then. They are living in an undisclosed location. His wife, Lindsay Mills is also said to be applying for Russian citizenship. Defenders of Snowden him as a modern-day renegade for revealing the US's espionage and alleged privacy violations. However, opposers remark him as a traitor who put lives in peril by divulging the US's reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US whistleblower Edward Snowden gets Russian passport after swearing an oath to Russia

US State Department has said that Edward Snowden "may well be conscripted to fight in Russia's war in Ukraine." This comes after the Kremlin granted Russian citizenship to the whistleblower. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Can Edward Snowden be drafted into Russian Army?

Who is Edward Snowden, the US whistleblower who just got Russian citizenship?

Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The move comes at a time when the relationship between Moscow and Washington is at an all-time low, thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation

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Just five days back Putin had declared the first Russian public mobilisation since World War Two to support Moscow's faltering invasion of Ukraine. Now the news of Snowden's citizenship has led to humorous quips about whether the whistleblower will be drafted into the military.

"Will Snowden be drafted?" Editor-in-chief of the state-run media company RT and ardent Putin admirer Margarita Simonyan wrote in a darkly humorous tone on her Telegram channel.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-diplomat-arrested-in-russia-by-its-federal-security-service-suspected-of-spying-519888" hreflang="en">Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying</a>

Given that Snowden has no prior military experience in the Russian army, according to Snowden's attorney Anatoly Kucherena, he would not be called up for duty.

As per an AFP report, Edward Joseph Snowden, born June 21, 1983, was listed among the newly naturalised Russian nationals in a presidential decree that was released on Monday.&nbsp;

Since his 2013 allegations that the US government was spying on its citizens, the former American intelligence contractor has been living in exile in Russia.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-says-it-wont-recognise-referendums-in-eastern-ukraine-519862" hreflang="en">Kazakhstan says it won't recognise referendums in eastern Ukraine</a>

Reuters reports that in order for Snowden to stand trial for espionage, American authorities have long demanded that he be brought back to the country.

In November 2020, the fugitive whistleblower revealed that he had applied for Russian citizenship, adding that he will attempt to keep his US citizenship. As per AFP,&nbsp;Moscow's rigorous citizenship requirements were relaxed a few years ago to allow people to hold Russian passports without giving up their original nationalities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Nine years after he exposed the scale of secret surveillance operations undertaken by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) and sought refuge in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has finally granted Russian citizenship to whistleblower Edward Snowden. The move comes at a time when the relationship between Moscow and Washington is at an all-time low, thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Watch | WION Fineprint | Russia admits to mistakes during mobilisation Just five days back Putin had declared the first Russian public mobilisation since World War Two to support Moscow's faltering invasion of Ukraine. Now the news of Snowden's citizenship has led to humorous quips about whether the whistleblower will be drafted into the military. "Will Snowden be drafted?" Editor-in-chief of the state-run media company RT and ardent Putin admirer Margarita Simonyan wrote in a darkly humorous tone on her Telegram channel. Also read| Japanese diplomat arrested in Russia by its Federal Security Service, suspected of spying Given that Snowden has no prior military experience in the Russian army, according to Snowden's attorney Anatoly Kucherena, he would not be called up for duty. As per an AFP report, Edward Joseph Snowden, born June 21, 1983, was listed among the newly naturalised Russian nationals in a presidential decree that was released on Monday. Since his 2013 allegations that the US government was spying on its citizens, the former American intelligence contractor has been living in exile in Russia. Also read | Kazakhstan says it won't recognise referendums in eastern Ukraine Reuters reports that in order for Snowden to stand trial for espionage, American authorities have long demanded that he be brought back to the country. In November 2020, the fugitive whistleblower revealed that he had applied for Russian citizenship, adding that he will attempt to keep his US citizenship. As per AFP, Moscow's rigorous citizenship requirements were relaxed a few years ago to allow people to hold Russian passports without giving up their original nationalities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin grants Snowden Russian citizenship, people ask will the whisteblower be 'drafted into army'?

Four refugees who hid Edward Snowden in their cramped Hong Kong apartment in 2013 were granted asylum in Canada on Tuesday, eight years after supporting one of the world's most sought individuals at the time.

Supun Thilina Kellapatha, Nadeeka Dilrukshi Nonis, and their children Sethumdi and Dinath are on their way to Montreal, where they will make their permanent home.&nbsp;

The family was part of a group of seven impoverished exiles from Sri Lanka and the Philippines residing in Hong Kong who decided to house Snowden following his shocking revelations in 2013.

Vanessa Rodel and her daughter Keana, both from the Philippines, were given asylum in Canada in 2019 with the support of For the Refugees, a group that has fought Canada to take in the others, claiming they were persecuted both in their own country and in Hong Kong for helping Snowden.

After their original refugee applications in Hong Kong were denied, Kellapatha's family faced deportation.&nbsp;

He spoke of his relief at finally finding a place of permanent sanctuary.

"I'm so happy this is over. I'm so happy to be going to Canada," the South China Morning Post quoted him as saying before he and his family boarded a plane in Hong Kong.

"We have a new life, our children now have a future. We're so grateful right now. I am speechless... The kids are so happy. I'm so grateful."

“We are thrilled beyond measure to see this long ordeal finally come to an end for Supun, Nadeeka and their children,” Marc-André Séguin, president of For the Refugees, said in a statement. The nonprofit sponsored their applications for refuge status.

Ajith Pushpakumara, the seventh asylum seeker who sheltered Snowden, is still in Hong Kong.

He is also being helped by For the Refugees with his application, and it is anticipated that he will be able to relocate to Canada as well.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Four refugees who hid Edward Snowden in their cramped Hong Kong apartment in 2013 were granted asylum in Canada on Tuesday, eight years after supporting one of the world's most sought individuals at the time.

Four refugees who hid Edward Snowden in their cramped Hong Kong apartment in 2013 were granted asylum in Canada on Tuesday, eight years after supporting one of the world's most sought individuals at the time. Supun Thilina Kellapatha, Nadeeka Dilrukshi Nonis, and their children Sethumdi and Dinath are on their way to Montreal, where they will make their permanent home. The family was part of a group of seven impoverished exiles from Sri Lanka and the Philippines residing in Hong Kong who decided to house Snowden following his shocking revelations in 2013. Vanessa Rodel and her daughter Keana, both from the Philippines, were given asylum in Canada in 2019 with the support of For the Refugees, a group that has fought Canada to take in the others, claiming they were persecuted both in their own country and in Hong Kong for helping Snowden. After their original refugee applications in Hong Kong were denied, Kellapatha's family faced deportation. He spoke of his relief at finally finding a place of permanent sanctuary. "I'm so happy this is over. I'm so happy to be going to Canada," the South China Morning Post quoted him as saying before he and his family boarded a plane in Hong Kong. "We have a new life, our children now have a future. We're so grateful right now. I am speechless... The kids are so happy. I'm so grateful." “We are thrilled beyond measure to see this long ordeal finally come to an end for Supun, Nadeeka and their children,” Marc-André Séguin, president of For the Refugees, said in a statement. The nonprofit sponsored their applications for refuge status. Ajith Pushpakumara, the seventh asylum seeker who sheltered Snowden, is still in Hong Kong. He is also being helped by For the Refugees with his application, and it is anticipated that he will be able to relocate to Canada as well. (With inputs from agencies)

Four Sri Lankan refugees who hid Edward Snowden in Hong Kong begin new lives in Canada

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden on Friday requested US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> to pardon&nbsp;WikiLeaks co-founder&nbsp;Julian Assange for&nbsp;espionage charges.

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Mr. President, if you grant only one act of clemency during your time in office, please: free Julian Assange. You alone can save his life. <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/1334608745192677380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Incumbent US President Donald Trump has a few weeks left in the White House, and now he wants to save his allies and children from prosecution. Once they leave the White House, Trump and his inner circle could be sued. Until Trump holds office, he is immune to any legal action.

Reportedly, Donald Trump is considering a way to keep his kids and allies safe from prosecution. Trump has discussed with his advisers whether he could fetch pre-emptive pardons to protect his three eldest children - Donald Trump Junior, Eric Trump, and Ivanka Trump along with his son-in-law Jared Kushner and his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-does-us-president-trump-want-pre-emptive-pardons-for-himself-and-family-347019/amp">Why does US President Trump want pre-emptive pardons for himself and family?</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/doctors-warning-julian-assange-could-die-in-uk-jail-281295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The solicitation from Snowden came as Assange sits in a UK jail anticipating an adjudicator's decision, planned for January, on his removal to the US to confront an 18-check arraignment for supposed undercover work and connivance to submit hacking. Whenever indicted, he could confront a US jail sentence of as long as 175 years. He was captured in London in April 2019 in the wake of taking asylum in the Ecuadorian international safe haven for a very long time.&nbsp;

Assange distributed a huge number of released grouped records in 2010 and 2011 uncovering US military bad behavior. The 48-year-old is purportedly in chronic weakness following quite a while of repression. In excess of 60 specialists from eight distinct nations composed an open letter before the end of last year saying they were worried that he could bite the dust in care if he's not moved from the high-security Belmarsh Prison to an emergency clinic. Their solicitation was denied.&nbsp;

Snowden, the previous CIA and NSA temporary worker who uncovered mass reconnaissance of Americans by US insight administrations, was conceded perpetual residency in Russia in October subsequent to taking shelter in the nation since 2013. He's been accused of two tallies of reconnaissance and burglary of government property. Russia, which has no removal settlement with the US, recently conceded Snowden's impermanent refuge.&nbsp;

Trump's archetype, Barack Obama, denied Snowden's solicitation for an exculpation. In any case, Trump, who said in 2013 that Snowden was a "spy who should be executed," has reevaluated that position lately. Trump told correspondents in August that he would consider exculpating Snowden.&nbsp;

Individuals from the two sides of the US political separation have asked Trump to acquit Snowden and Assange. US Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) a month ago reestablished her requires the president to exculpate the two men, saying they uncovered the guiltiness of the covert government at extraordinary a disregard for one's own needs.&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> Since you're giving pardons to people, please consider pardoning those who, at great personal sacrifice, exposed the deception and criminality of those in the deep state. <a href="https://t.co/aeXklUsNSd">https://t.co/aeXklUsNSd</a>
— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) <a href="https://twitter.com/TulsiGabbard/status/1331919709055422473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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if <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> wants to show everyone he's one of the people, anti establishment and not apart of the swamp, he would pardon 
 
1. Assange 
2. Snowden 
3. Ulbricht
— Luke Rudkowski (@Lukewearechange) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lukewearechange/status/1332416756393025536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After Gabbard was assaulted for supporting him, Snowden himself noticed that the general population has betrayed legislators who smear informants.&nbsp;

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Politicians take note: smearing whistleblowers and publishers with obvious bullshit no longer gets you showered in likes, it gets you ratioed by a furious public. 
 
It is time to end the war on whistleblowers. <a href="https://t.co/bMfzUU5VCt">pic.twitter.com/bMfzUU5VCt</a>
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/1332694402549100547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump will have just until January 20 to make a move except if he's fruitful in getting the courts to topple Democrat Joe Biden's media-proclaimed political race triumph. Digital recording host Jen Perelman, a Florida Democrat who ran fruitlessly to take Debbie Wasserman-Shultz's legislative seat, proposed that Snowden's possibilities could be more awful under the following organization. "Is oversight going to be more regrettable under Biden?" she inquired.&nbsp;

Snowden prior uncovered that in 2013 then-VP Biden was considering nations around the globe to caution them that in the event that they award refuge to the informant, they will be confronted with "results" from Washington.&nbsp;

Different eyewitnesses applauded Snowden for asking Trump to consider Assange's case even before his own. "How tolerant and caring of you," one analyst said. Another stated, "The individuals of America and the world will be everlastingly thankful to the daring truth-tellers, be they informants or legitimate writers, regardless of whether they don't all acknowledge it yet."

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden on Friday requested US President Donald Trump to pardon WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange for espionage charges. Mr. President, if you grant only one act of clemency during your time in office, please: free Julian Assange.

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden on Friday requested US President Donald Trump to pardon WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange for espionage charges. Mr. President, if you grant only one act of clemency during your time in office, please: free Julian Assange. You alone can save his life. @realDonaldTrump — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) December 3, 2020 × Incumbent US President Donald Trump has a few weeks left in the White House, and now he wants to save his allies and children from prosecution. Once they leave the White House, Trump and his inner circle could be sued. Until Trump holds office, he is immune to any legal action. Reportedly, Donald Trump is considering a way to keep his kids and allies safe from prosecution. Trump has discussed with his advisers whether he could fetch pre-emptive pardons to protect his three eldest children - Donald Trump Junior, Eric Trump, and Ivanka Trump along with his son-in-law Jared Kushner and his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. Also read: Why does US President Trump want pre-emptive pardons for himself and family? The solicitation from Snowden came as Assange sits in a UK jail anticipating an adjudicator's decision, planned for January, on his removal to the US to confront an 18-check arraignment for supposed undercover work and connivance to submit hacking. Whenever indicted, he could confront a US jail sentence of as long as 175 years. He was captured in London in April 2019 in the wake of taking asylum in the Ecuadorian international safe haven for a very long time. Assange distributed a huge number of released grouped records in 2010 and 2011 uncovering US military bad behavior. The 48-year-old is purportedly in chronic weakness following quite a while of repression. In excess of 60 specialists from eight distinct nations composed an open letter before the end of last year saying they were worried that he could bite the dust in care if he's not moved from the high-security Belmarsh Prison to an emergency clinic. Their solicitation was denied. Snowden, the previous CIA and NSA temporary worker who uncovered mass reconnaissance of Americans by US insight administrations, was conceded perpetual residency in Russia in October subsequent to taking shelter in the nation since 2013. He's been accused of two tallies of reconnaissance and burglary of government property. Russia, which has no removal settlement with the US, recently conceded Snowden's impermanent refuge. Trump's archetype, Barack Obama, denied Snowden's solicitation for an exculpation. In any case, Trump, who said in 2013 that Snowden was a "spy who should be executed," has reevaluated that position lately. Trump told correspondents in August that he would consider exculpating Snowden. Individuals from the two sides of the US political separation have asked Trump to acquit Snowden and Assange. US Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) a month ago reestablished her requires the president to exculpate the two men, saying they uncovered the guiltiness of the covert government at extraordinary a disregard for one's own needs. .@realDonaldTrump Since you're giving pardons to people, please consider pardoning those who, at great personal sacrifice, exposed the deception and criminality of those in the deep state. https://t.co/aeXklUsNSd — Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) November 26, 2020 × if @realDonaldTrump wants to show everyone he's one of the people, anti establishment and not apart of the swamp, he would pardon 1. Assange 2. Snowden 3. Ulbricht — Luke Rudkowski (@Lukewearechange) November 27, 2020 × After Gabbard was assaulted for supporting him, Snowden himself noticed that the general population has betrayed legislators who smear informants. Politicians take note: smearing whistleblowers and publishers with obvious bullshit no longer gets you showered in likes, it gets you ratioed by a furious public. It is time to end the war on whistleblowers. pic.twitter.com/bMfzUU5VCt — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) November 28, 2020 × Trump will have just until January 20 to make a move except if he's fruitful in getting the courts to topple Democrat Joe Biden's media-proclaimed political race triumph. Digital recording host Jen Perelman, a Florida Democrat who ran fruitlessly to take Debbie Wasserman-Shultz's legislative seat, proposed that Snowden's possibilities could be more awful under the following organization. "Is oversight going to be more regrettable under Biden?" she inquired. Snowden prior uncovered that in 2013 then-VP Biden was considering nations around the globe to caution them that in the event that they award refuge to the informant, they will be confronted with "results" from Washington. Different eyewitnesses applauded Snowden for asking Trump to consider Assange's case even before his own. "How tolerant and caring of you," one analyst said. Another stated, "The individuals of America and the world will be everlastingly thankful to the daring truth-tellers, be they informants or legitimate writers, regardless of whether they don't all acknowledge it yet."

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden urges Trump to grant clemency to WikiLeaks' Julian Assange

The US President Donald&nbsp;Trump, on Monday, announced his plans to pardon some&nbsp;"very, very important" person on Tuesday. The information was passed on by Trump to the local reporters onboard Air Force One.

"Doing a pardon tomorrow on someone who is very, very important," he said. He declined to give the name, though.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/edward-snowden-asks-to-return-to-us-trump-to-take-a-look-at-pardoning-320867">Also read:&nbsp;Edward Snowden asks to return to US; Trump to 'take a look' at pardoning</a>

The news came after he announced few days ago&nbsp;in a golf course press briefing that he will think about pardoning Snowden. However, after making the announcement, Trump was quick to add that the "very, very important" person will not be Snowden.

Edward Snowden, last week, expressed his desire to return to the US from Russia — where he has taken an exile — if he is promised a fair trial. He was being sought by intelligence agencies after, in 2013, in passed secret files to the news organisation accusing the National Security Agency of conducting secret&nbsp;surveillance operations on the American citizens.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-appeals-court-agrees-to-rehear-ex-trumps-aide-michael-flynns-case-317129">Also read:&nbsp;US appeals court agrees to rehear ex-Trump's aide Michael Flynn's case</a>

Trump also clarified that this person being pardoned will not be Michael Flynn — Trump's former National Security Advisor who had&nbsp;plead guilty for lying during an FBI investigation into the 2016 presidential campaign.

Last month, Trump had pardoned his advisor and longtime friend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-commutes-longtime-adviser-roger-stones-prison-sentence-312432">Roger Stone</a>, who was convicted of lying under oath to lawmakers about the Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

The US President Donald Trump, on Monday, announced his plans to pardon some "very, very important" person on Tuesday. The information was passed on by Trump to the local reporters onboard Air Force One.

The US President Donald Trump, on Monday, announced his plans to pardon some "very, very important" person on Tuesday. The information was passed on by Trump to the local reporters onboard Air Force One. "Doing a pardon tomorrow on someone who is very, very important," he said. He declined to give the name, though. Also read: Edward Snowden asks to return to US; Trump to 'take a look' at pardoning The news came after he announced few days ago in a golf course press briefing that he will think about pardoning Snowden. However, after making the announcement, Trump was quick to add that the "very, very important" person will not be Snowden. Edward Snowden, last week, expressed his desire to return to the US from Russia — where he has taken an exile — if he is promised a fair trial. He was being sought by intelligence agencies after, in 2013, in passed secret files to the news organisation accusing the National Security Agency of conducting secret surveillance operations on the American citizens. Also read: US appeals court agrees to rehear ex-Trump's aide Michael Flynn's case Trump also clarified that this person being pardoned will not be Michael Flynn — Trump's former National Security Advisor who had plead guilty for lying during an FBI investigation into the 2016 presidential campaign. Last month, Trump had pardoned his advisor and longtime friend Roger Stone, who was convicted of lying under oath to lawmakers about the Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

Trump to pardon someone 'very, very important' on Tuesday

Edward Snowden, a former US intelligence contractor who revealed in 2013 that the US government was spying on its citizens, has said he would like to return to his home country, but only on the condition of a fair trial.

Edward Snowden asks to return to US; Trump to 'take a look' at pardoning

An actress playing US espionage whistleblower <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-national-security-agency-contractor-edward-snowden-publishing-memoir-240086">Edward Snowden</a> imitates a gun with her hand, aims it at a security camera, and fires not exactly the sort of stage content that's green-lighted in China's surveillance state.

But artists like the scene's writer-director Wang Chong operate in what might be considered China's version of "off-off-Broadway", small, often impromptu, avant-garde performances in which independent show-runners walk a razor-thin line between censorship and artistic freedom.

"A rebellious spirit is very dangerous. If an artist is in trouble in China everybody will cut connections, cooperation and conversation with them," Wang said of the risks.

Wang spoke to AFP on the sidelines of the recent 7th annual Wuzhen Theatre Festival in the eponymous ancient canal town near Shanghai.

Wuzhen's government promotes the town as an arts center, which affords directors a sliver more creative leeway than elsewhere.

But even in Wuzhen, Wang, a tall and lanky 37-year-old, employs what he calls "tricks" to avoid trouble from a government that is pushing "red" theatre extolling the one-party Communist state.

Independent directors today often perform pop-up style, in art galleries, museums, or coffee shops, avoiding proper theatre venues, which require pre-approval of scripts and are frequented by government officials monitoring for sensitive content.

"If you stick to giving a voice to deep social issues, you will finally figure out a way around the rules," Wang added.

Many theatres in China host modern Western-style dramas, but much stage fare still consists of Communist paeons or re-tellings of ancient tales.

But Wang and his peers push the envelope with avant-garde productions that skirt the censor's red line.

His latest a thinly veiled swipe at China's surveillance state was performed outdoors in Wuzhen by four randomly selected audience members who received their lines and prompts via headphones.

The founder of 11-year-old Beijing-based performance group Theatre du Reve Experimental, Wang has had plays shut down before.

"Mr. Big", a production centering on early 20th-century dissident writer Lu Xun that touched on sensitive issues, opened in theatres in 2016, but was later abruptly closed.

Wang likened it to the death of a child and indicative of what he calls a "glass ceiling" for sensitive content.

Another innovative playwright, Wang Boxin, the 34-year-old founder of a Shanghai-based theatre troupe, uses satire and dark humor in productions that shine a light on what he considers contemporary China's declining moral values.

His latest, which debuted on Wuzhen's centuries-old plazas, was inspired by the police detention this year of a young Chinese cartoonist on vague accusations of "insulting Chinese people" with satirical cartoons depicting them as pig-headed gluttons.

Wang's darkly comic piece was performed by actors wearing animal heads.

"As long as you don't sell tickets, you won't be asked for qualifications and can keep your artistic freedom," said Wang, who formed his self-funded troupe this year.

Self-taught theatre director Huang Baosheng also stages his plays, which revolve around the pressures faced by Chinese young people, in what he calls "guerrilla" style&nbsp;in friends' homes, coffee shops, even an underground parking lot.

But that's due more to financing than politics.

"Money is my biggest trouble, a drag on my creativity," said Huang, 25, who co-founded a troupe three years ago in the nearby city of Hangzhou, supporting it with his earnings as a copywriter at an internet company.

His lack of formal theatre training makes government or private funding elusive, while others say edgy content also repels sponsors.

Still, growing numbers of Chinese independent impresarios are emerging to find increasing interest from young Chinese, Huang said.

But censorship hovers overhead, said Wang Chong.

"(Chinese authorities) want theatre to become an industry like Broadway, to make money like movies do and contribute to national GDP," he said, but they also want it "pure and strictly controllable".

Wang, who regularly stages his edgier performances overseas, will perform a new one-man play in Australia next year starring himself. The theme: censorship.

"It's my long-term dream that China's theatre censorship system will collapse one day. If so, the (forthcoming) play will have accomplished its mission."

An actress playing US espionage whistleblower Edward Snowden imitates a gun with her hand, aims it at a security camera, and fires not exactly the sort of stage content that's green-lighted in China's surveillance state.

An actress playing US espionage whistleblower Edward Snowden imitates a gun with her hand, aims it at a security camera, and fires not exactly the sort of stage content that's green-lighted in China's surveillance state. But artists like the scene's writer-director Wang Chong operate in what might be considered China's version of "off-off-Broadway", small, often impromptu, avant-garde performances in which independent show-runners walk a razor-thin line between censorship and artistic freedom. "A rebellious spirit is very dangerous. If an artist is in trouble in China everybody will cut connections, cooperation and conversation with them," Wang said of the risks. Wang spoke to AFP on the sidelines of the recent 7th annual Wuzhen Theatre Festival in the eponymous ancient canal town near Shanghai. Wuzhen's government promotes the town as an arts center, which affords directors a sliver more creative leeway than elsewhere. But even in Wuzhen, Wang, a tall and lanky 37-year-old, employs what he calls "tricks" to avoid trouble from a government that is pushing "red" theatre extolling the one-party Communist state. Independent directors today often perform pop-up style, in art galleries, museums, or coffee shops, avoiding proper theatre venues, which require pre-approval of scripts and are frequented by government officials monitoring for sensitive content. "If you stick to giving a voice to deep social issues, you will finally figure out a way around the rules," Wang added. Many theatres in China host modern Western-style dramas, but much stage fare still consists of Communist paeons or re-tellings of ancient tales. But Wang and his peers push the envelope with avant-garde productions that skirt the censor's red line. His latest a thinly veiled swipe at China's surveillance state was performed outdoors in Wuzhen by four randomly selected audience members who received their lines and prompts via headphones. The founder of 11-year-old Beijing-based performance group Theatre du Reve Experimental, Wang has had plays shut down before. "Mr. Big", a production centering on early 20th-century dissident writer Lu Xun that touched on sensitive issues, opened in theatres in 2016, but was later abruptly closed. Wang likened it to the death of a child and indicative of what he calls a "glass ceiling" for sensitive content. Another innovative playwright, Wang Boxin, the 34-year-old founder of a Shanghai-based theatre troupe, uses satire and dark humor in productions that shine a light on what he considers contemporary China's declining moral values. His latest, which debuted on Wuzhen's centuries-old plazas, was inspired by the police detention this year of a young Chinese cartoonist on vague accusations of "insulting Chinese people" with satirical cartoons depicting them as pig-headed gluttons. Wang's darkly comic piece was performed by actors wearing animal heads. "As long as you don't sell tickets, you won't be asked for qualifications and can keep your artistic freedom," said Wang, who formed his self-funded troupe this year. Self-taught theatre director Huang Baosheng also stages his plays, which revolve around the pressures faced by Chinese young people, in what he calls "guerrilla" style in friends' homes, coffee shops, even an underground parking lot. But that's due more to financing than politics. "Money is my biggest trouble, a drag on my creativity," said Huang, 25, who co-founded a troupe three years ago in the nearby city of Hangzhou, supporting it with his earnings as a copywriter at an internet company. His lack of formal theatre training makes government or private funding elusive, while others say edgy content also repels sponsors. Still, growing numbers of Chinese independent impresarios are emerging to find increasing interest from young Chinese, Huang said. But censorship hovers overhead, said Wang Chong. "(Chinese authorities) want theatre to become an industry like Broadway, to make money like movies do and contribute to national GDP," he said, but they also want it "pure and strictly controllable". Wang, who regularly stages his edgier performances overseas, will perform a new one-man play in Australia next year starring himself. The theme: censorship. "It's my long-term dream that China's theatre censorship system will collapse one day. If so, the (forthcoming) play will have accomplished its mission."

China dramatists wage 'guerrilla' fight for artistic freedom

The U.S. vs Edward Snowden: the U.S. sues ex-spy agency employee Snowden

U.S. sues ex-spy agency employee Snowden

The US Justice Department on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/snowden-says-he-hopes-france-will-grant-him-asylum-249728"> Edward Snowden </a>seeking to prevent the former CIA employee and National Security Agency contractor from profiting from his new book.

The civil lawsuit against Snowden, who is living in Russia after leaking information about the US government's mass surveillance program, accuses him of violating non-disclosure agreements he signed with the CIA and NSA.

Snowden retorted on Twitter that "Permanent Record," which went on sale on Tuesday, is "the book the government doesn't want you to read."

The suit alleges that Snowden published his book without first submitting it to the two government agencies for pre-publication review.

In a statement, the Justice Department said it was not trying to block publication but is seeking to recover any book proceeds earned by Snowden, who is facing espionage charges that could send him to prison for decades.

The publisher of the book, Macmillan Publishers, was also named in the lawsuit "to ensure that no funds are transferred to Snowden," the Justice Department said.

"Edward Snowden has violated an obligation he undertook to the United States when he signed agreements as part of his employment by the CIA and as an NSA contractor," assistant attorney general Jody Hunt said.

"The United States' ability to protect sensitive national security information depends on employees' and contractors' compliance with their non-disclosure agreements," Hunt said.

"We will not permit individuals to enrich themselves, at the expense of the United States, without complying with their pre-publication review obligations."

G. Zachary Terwilliger, US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where the lawsuit was filed, said the suit was intended to "ensure that Edward Snowden receives no monetary benefits from breaching the trust placed in him."

"Intelligence information should protect our nation, not provide personal profit," Terwilliger said.

'Stamp of authenticity'?

Snowden countered,&nbsp;"It is hard to think of a greater stamp of authenticity than the US government filing a lawsuit claiming your book is so truthful that it was literally against the law to write."

The former NSA contractor has been living in Russia since leaking thousands of classified documents to the press in 2013 which revealed the scope of US government surveillance after 9/11.

Praised as a whistleblower and a privacy advocate by his defenders, the United States accuses Snowden of endangering national security and filed charges against him under the Espionage Act.

In an interview with "CBS This Morning" broadcast Monday, he said he would like to return home -- if he can get a fair trial.

The US Justice Department on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Edward Snowden seeking to prevent the former CIA employee and National Security Agency contractor from profiting from his new book.

The US Justice Department on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Edward Snowden seeking to prevent the former CIA employee and National Security Agency contractor from profiting from his new book. The civil lawsuit against Snowden, who is living in Russia after leaking information about the US government's mass surveillance program, accuses him of violating non-disclosure agreements he signed with the CIA and NSA. Snowden retorted on Twitter that "Permanent Record," which went on sale on Tuesday, is "the book the government doesn't want you to read." The suit alleges that Snowden published his book without first submitting it to the two government agencies for pre-publication review. In a statement, the Justice Department said it was not trying to block publication but is seeking to recover any book proceeds earned by Snowden, who is facing espionage charges that could send him to prison for decades. The publisher of the book, Macmillan Publishers, was also named in the lawsuit "to ensure that no funds are transferred to Snowden," the Justice Department said. "Edward Snowden has violated an obligation he undertook to the United States when he signed agreements as part of his employment by the CIA and as an NSA contractor," assistant attorney general Jody Hunt said. "The United States' ability to protect sensitive national security information depends on employees' and contractors' compliance with their non-disclosure agreements," Hunt said. "We will not permit individuals to enrich themselves, at the expense of the United States, without complying with their pre-publication review obligations." G. Zachary Terwilliger, US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where the lawsuit was filed, said the suit was intended to "ensure that Edward Snowden receives no monetary benefits from breaching the trust placed in him." "Intelligence information should protect our nation, not provide personal profit," Terwilliger said. 'Stamp of authenticity'? Snowden countered, "It is hard to think of a greater stamp of authenticity than the US government filing a lawsuit claiming your book is so truthful that it was literally against the law to write." The former NSA contractor has been living in Russia since leaking thousands of classified documents to the press in 2013 which revealed the scope of US government surveillance after 9/11. Praised as a whistleblower and a privacy advocate by his defenders, the United States accuses Snowden of endangering national security and filed charges against him under the Espionage Act. In an interview with "CBS This Morning" broadcast Monday, he said he would like to return home -- if he can get a fair trial.

US Justice Department sues American whistleblower Snowden over new book

Former US National Security Agency contractor and world-famous whistleblower in exile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-national-security-agency-contractor-edward-snowden-publishing-memoir-240086">Edward Snowden</a>, said that he would return to the United States, only if he could hope for a fair trial there.

Snowden currently lives in Russia and faces charges of breaking confidentiality laws back in the United States.

In a phone interview with National Public Radio, Snowden said that if returned to the United States, he would seek an opportunity to tell a jury why he had leaked classified information to make them understand for themselves whether the materials deserved to be leaked.

"You can't have a fair trial about the disclosure of information unless the jury can evaluate whether it was right or wrong to reveal this information," he said, adding that returning back only to be sentenced would not be a good example for others who are in a similar situation.

According to Snowden, nobody becomes a whistleblower due to a special desire to do so and "no one becomes a whistleblower because it has a happy ending."

Snowden noted that it was not his choice to live in Russia, adding that he had sought asylum in 27 countries. The Russian intelligence services pursued cooperation with him, but he rejected the offer and spent 40 days at the airport.

"If I had played ball, I would have left on Day 1 in a limo; I would have been living in a palace; you would have seen them giving me parades in Red Square ... The reality is this: I had destroyed my access to all the classified material that I provided to journalists before leaving Hong Kong, precisely because I didn't know what was going to happen next," Snowden stressed.

Snowden recalled that he disagreed with Russia's government and President Vladimir Putin on a number of issues.

In 2013, Snowden leaked classified documents that exposed mass surveillance by US authorities around the globe. Snowden fled to Hong Kong, then to Russia, which granted him temporary asylum for one year. In 2014, Snowden received a three-year residence permit to live in Russia, which was later extended until 2020.

Former US National Security Agency contractor and world-famous whistleblower in exile, Edward Snowden, said that he would return to the United States, only if he could hope for a fair trial there.

Former US National Security Agency contractor and world-famous whistleblower in exile, Edward Snowden, said that he would return to the United States, only if he could hope for a fair trial there. Snowden currently lives in Russia and faces charges of breaking confidentiality laws back in the United States. In a phone interview with National Public Radio, Snowden said that if returned to the United States, he would seek an opportunity to tell a jury why he had leaked classified information to make them understand for themselves whether the materials deserved to be leaked. "You can't have a fair trial about the disclosure of information unless the jury can evaluate whether it was right or wrong to reveal this information," he said, adding that returning back only to be sentenced would not be a good example for others who are in a similar situation. According to Snowden, nobody becomes a whistleblower due to a special desire to do so and "no one becomes a whistleblower because it has a happy ending." Snowden noted that it was not his choice to live in Russia, adding that he had sought asylum in 27 countries. The Russian intelligence services pursued cooperation with him, but he rejected the offer and spent 40 days at the airport. "If I had played ball, I would have left on Day 1 in a limo; I would have been living in a palace; you would have seen them giving me parades in Red Square ... The reality is this: I had destroyed my access to all the classified material that I provided to journalists before leaving Hong Kong, precisely because I didn't know what was going to happen next," Snowden stressed. Snowden recalled that he disagreed with Russia's government and President Vladimir Putin on a number of issues. In 2013, Snowden leaked classified documents that exposed mass surveillance by US authorities around the globe. Snowden fled to Hong Kong, then to Russia, which granted him temporary asylum for one year. In 2014, Snowden received a three-year residence permit to live in Russia, which was later extended until 2020.

Would return to US if provided chance for fair trial: Snowden

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

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Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who fled to Russia after leaking information about the US government's mass surveillance program, is publishing a memoir.

The book, "Permanent Record," will go on sale on September 17. It is being published globally by Macmillan Publishers.

Snowden, who once worked for the CIA in addition to the NSA, has been living in Russia since leaking thousands of classified documents to the press in 2013 which revealed the scope of US government surveillance after 9/11.

Praised as a whistleblower and a privacy advocate by his defenders, the United States accuses Snowden of endangering national security.

He is facing espionage charges in the United States that could send him to prison for decades.

"Edward Snowden decided at the age of 29 to give up his entire future for the good of his country," John Sargent, the CEO of Macmillan Publishers USA, said in a statement.

"He displayed enormous courage in doing so, and like him or not, he is an incredible American story," Sargent said. "There is no doubt that the world is a better and more private place for his actions."

On his Twitter account, Snowden said: "I wrote a book" and included a link to a video of himself.

"Everything that we do now lasts forever, not because we want to remember but because we're no longer allowed to forget," he says in the video. "Helping to create that system is my greatest regret."

Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who fled to Russia after leaking information about the US government's mass surveillance program, is publishing a memoir.

Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who fled to Russia after leaking information about the US government's mass surveillance program, is publishing a memoir. The book, "Permanent Record," will go on sale on September 17. It is being published globally by Macmillan Publishers. Snowden, who once worked for the CIA in addition to the NSA, has been living in Russia since leaking thousands of classified documents to the press in 2013 which revealed the scope of US government surveillance after 9/11. Praised as a whistleblower and a privacy advocate by his defenders, the United States accuses Snowden of endangering national security. He is facing espionage charges in the United States that could send him to prison for decades. "Edward Snowden decided at the age of 29 to give up his entire future for the good of his country," John Sargent, the CEO of Macmillan Publishers USA, said in a statement. "He displayed enormous courage in doing so, and like him or not, he is an incredible American story," Sargent said. "There is no doubt that the world is a better and more private place for his actions." On his Twitter account, Snowden said: "I wrote a book" and included a link to a video of himself. "Everything that we do now lasts forever, not because we want to remember but because we're no longer allowed to forget," he says in the video. "Helping to create that system is my greatest regret."

Former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden to publish memoir

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 2nd, 2019

President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;opened his annual televised phone-in, a carefully choreographed Kremlin event in which he promised Russians the country was going in the "right direction".&nbsp;&nbsp;

The annual event allows Russians to submit questions via phone, text and online to the president, who addresses their concerns and weighs in on geopolitical issues.&nbsp;

This year's "direct line" is the first in Putin's fourth presidential term, which has already seen crackdowns on civil society and internet freedoms, and comes a week before Russia hosts the World Cup.

"Overall, we are moving completely in the right direction. We are on track for durable growth in the economy," he said in opening remarks to two moderators introducing questions from the public.&nbsp;

"There are, of course, a number of problems to address," he said of an economy that continues to stall after a crash in 2014 following sanctions introduced by the West over the annexation of Crimea.

The event has in the past lasted over four hours, with the president fielding questions on subjects as varied as his love life, teachers' salaries, Crimea and provincial roads.

State television ran a breathless countdown to the session, updating the number of questions submitted -- some two million as the programme began.

Written questions appeared on screens beside the president during the broadcast, some of them less than flattering about the state of the nation.&nbsp;

"When will Russia start allocating its money to Russians?" one read.&nbsp;

"Why didn't Alexei Navalny get registered for the presidential elections?" asked another, referring to Putin's top critic who was barred from contesting presidential polls in March.

In contrast to previous phone-ins, this year Putin has called on regional leaders and ministers to stand by to go on live with the president to address nitty-gritty questions.

"They will be sitting by the television with bated breath... the phone in their hand and a sedative in the pocket," the Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid joked.

Last year the president jokingly offered ex-FBI chief James Comey political asylum and confirmed that he had grandchildren -- a rare glimpse into an otherwise strictly guarded private life.&nbsp;

The phone-in has in the past seen Putin reject calls to annex Alaska and take a question from the US whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Putin, who was re-elected in a landslide in March, has promised to slash poverty and revive a stalled economy in the face of Western sanctions.

The annual event allows Russians to submit questions via phone, text and online to the president, who addresses their concerns and weighs in on geopolitical issues

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday opened his annual televised phone-in, a carefully choreographed Kremlin event in which he promised Russians the country was going in the "right direction". The annual event allows Russians to submit questions via phone, text and online to the president, who addresses their concerns and weighs in on geopolitical issues. This year's "direct line" is the first in Putin's fourth presidential term, which has already seen crackdowns on civil society and internet freedoms, and comes a week before Russia hosts the World Cup. "Overall, we are moving completely in the right direction. We are on track for durable growth in the economy," he said in opening remarks to two moderators introducing questions from the public. "There are, of course, a number of problems to address," he said of an economy that continues to stall after a crash in 2014 following sanctions introduced by the West over the annexation of Crimea. The event has in the past lasted over four hours, with the president fielding questions on subjects as varied as his love life, teachers' salaries, Crimea and provincial roads. State television ran a breathless countdown to the session, updating the number of questions submitted -- some two million as the programme began. Written questions appeared on screens beside the president during the broadcast, some of them less than flattering about the state of the nation. "When will Russia start allocating its money to Russians?" one read. "Why didn't Alexei Navalny get registered for the presidential elections?" asked another, referring to Putin's top critic who was barred from contesting presidential polls in March. In contrast to previous phone-ins, this year Putin has called on regional leaders and ministers to stand by to go on live with the president to address nitty-gritty questions. "They will be sitting by the television with bated breath... the phone in their hand and a sedative in the pocket," the Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid joked. Last year the president jokingly offered ex-FBI chief James Comey political asylum and confirmed that he had grandchildren -- a rare glimpse into an otherwise strictly guarded private life. The phone-in has in the past seen Putin reject calls to annex Alaska and take a question from the US whistleblower Edward Snowden. Putin, who was re-elected in a landslide in March, has promised to slash poverty and revive a stalled economy in the face of Western sanctions.

Putin touts Russia's 'right direction' in annual phone-in

Former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden on Tuesday slammed the Trump administration over picking Gina Haspel as head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Snowden attacked Haspel for her role in the 2002 torture of detainees at a secret CIA prison in Thailand which is dubbed as a &quot;black site.&quot;

&quot;Interesting: The new CIA Director Haspel, who &quot;tortured some folks,&quot; probably can&#39;t travel to the EU to meet other spy chiefs without facing arrest due to an @ECCHRBerlin complaint to Germany&#39;s federal prosecutor,&quot; Snowden tweeted.

Haspel, who is a career intelligence officer and joined the CIA in 1985, reportedly oversaw a black site prison in Thailand where terrorism suspects were tortured.

She briefly ran the prison in 2002, according to the Guardian.

Haspel oversaw the torture of two terrorism suspects and her name was on a cable giving instructions to destroy video evidence documenting their interrogations, according to the Times.

One of the suspects was reportedly waterboarded 83 times in one month.

Haspel, who would be the first female director of the agency, if the US Senate confirms, will likely face questioning in her Senate confirmation for her involvement in the Thailand incident.

In an another Twitter post, Snowden, the whistleblower, who fled the country after exposing classified information in 2013 about US surveillance programs, wrote, &quot;Are these really the values the US should be promoting? The CIA might as well start issuing uniforms decorated with skulls and lightning bolts.&quot;

On Tuesday, Trump made an announcement that Haspel would replace CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

Pompeo is set to take over for Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, whom Trump has fired.

&quot;Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State,&quot; Trump wrote, &quot;He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!&quot;

Snowden attacked Haspel for her role in the 2002 torture of detainees at a secret CIA prison in Thailand which is dubbed as a 'black site'

Former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden on Tuesday slammed the Trump administration over picking Gina Haspel as head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Snowden attacked Haspel for her role in the 2002 torture of detainees at a secret CIA prison in Thailand which is dubbed as a "black site." "Interesting: The new CIA Director Haspel, who "tortured some folks," probably can't travel to the EU to meet other spy chiefs without facing arrest due to an @ECCHRBerlin complaint to Germany's federal prosecutor," Snowden tweeted. Haspel, who is a career intelligence officer and joined the CIA in 1985, reportedly oversaw a black site prison in Thailand where terrorism suspects were tortured. She briefly ran the prison in 2002, according to the Guardian. Haspel oversaw the torture of two terrorism suspects and her name was on a cable giving instructions to destroy video evidence documenting their interrogations, according to the Times. One of the suspects was reportedly waterboarded 83 times in one month. Haspel, who would be the first female director of the agency, if the US Senate confirms, will likely face questioning in her Senate confirmation for her involvement in the Thailand incident. In an another Twitter post, Snowden, the whistleblower, who fled the country after exposing classified information in 2013 about US surveillance programs, wrote, "Are these really the values the US should be promoting? The CIA might as well start issuing uniforms decorated with skulls and lightning bolts." On Tuesday, Trump made an announcement that Haspel would replace CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Pompeo is set to take over for Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, whom Trump has fired. "Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State," Trump wrote, "He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!"

Snowden slams Trump's CIA pick over 'black site'

A constant critic of Aadhaar, American whistleblower Edward Snowden on Sunday called Aadhaar an &quot;improper gate to services&quot;&nbsp;and suggested that demands to link Aadhaar to bank and telecom services should be criminalised.

While tweeting his comments, Snowden shared an article on Aadhaar written by former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), KC Verma.

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Rarely do former intel chiefs and I agree, but the head of India&#39;s RAW writes <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadhaar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadhaar</a> is being abused by banks, telcos, and transport not to police entitlements, but as a proxy for identity&ndash;an improper gate to service. Such demands must be criminalized. <a href="https://t.co/rRSn42XLlQ">https://t.co/rRSn42XLlQ</a>
&mdash; Edward Snowden (@Snowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/955050455490547712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Snowden has spoken against Aadhaar in the past. Earlier in January, he said the database conceived of by the Indian government could be &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/edward-snowden-on-aadhaar-no-matter-the-laws-the-result-is-abuse-28613" target="_blank">misused and abused</a>&quot;.

Snowden also spoke out in support of an English daily journalist who did an investigative piece on Aadhaar data being sold for as little as Rs 500. Snowden said the the journalist deserved <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/edward-snowden-suggest-giving-award-to-journalist-exposing-uidai-flaws-28966" target="_blank">an award, not an FIR</a>.

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It is the natural tendency of government to desire perfect records of private lives. History shows that no matter the laws, the result is abuse. <a href="https://t.co/7HSQSZ4T3f">https://t.co/7HSQSZ4T3f</a>
&mdash; Edward Snowden (@Snowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/949057892069523459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Snowden is a former CIA employee famously known for leaking classified information that exposed a massive surveillance operation run by the CIA. He is currently living under asylum in Russia.

While tweeting his comments, Snowden shared an article on Aadhaar written by a former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)

A constant critic of Aadhaar, American whistleblower Edward Snowden on Sunday called Aadhaar an "improper gate to services" and suggested that demands to link Aadhaar to bank and telecom services should be criminalised. While tweeting his comments, Snowden shared an article on Aadhaar written by former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), KC Verma. Rarely do former intel chiefs and I agree, but the head of India's RAW writes #Aadhaar is being abused by banks, telcos, and transport not to police entitlements, but as a proxy for identity–an improper gate to service. Such demands must be criminalized. https://t.co/rRSn42XLlQ — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) January 21, 2018 × Snowden has spoken against Aadhaar in the past. Earlier in January, he said the database conceived of by the Indian government could be "misused and abused". Snowden also spoke out in support of an English daily journalist who did an investigative piece on Aadhaar data being sold for as little as Rs 500. Snowden said the the journalist deserved an award, not an FIR. It is the natural tendency of government to desire perfect records of private lives. History shows that no matter the laws, the result is abuse. https://t.co/7HSQSZ4T3f — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) January 4, 2018 × Snowden is a former CIA employee famously known for leaking classified information that exposed a massive surveillance operation run by the CIA. He is currently living under asylum in Russia.

Aadhaar 'improper gate to services': Edward Snowden

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