14 DAY TRIAL // Human rights defenders are not standing by anymore and have united in a protest against the NSA online and offline spying activities that affect citizens from all over the world and they're taking Snowden's side.
“Edward Snowden’s disclosures have triggered a necessary and long-delayed public debate about mass surveillance online everywhere. Because of him, we have learned that much of our online life is being systematically intercepted and monitored by governments,” said Dr. Agnes Callamard, director of Article 19 organization.
There are now more than 150 civil society organizations defending human rights that have addressed a letter to US President Barack Obama, urging him to end the prosecution of Edward Snowden and other whistleblowers like him.
However, Callamard says, rather than investigate and prosecute those that have ordered and conducted one of the most unprecedented global violations of our rights, the US government has chosen to “shoot the messenger” and the European governments were quick to help.
“We are, therefore, dismayed that criminal charges have been filed against Snowden, including those under the vague and overbroad Espionage Act of 1917. Statements by the State Department that Snowden is not a whistleblower simply because of the nature of the charges against him flatly contradict international standards on freedom of expression and information,” the letter says.
The letter sent to Obama asks for the dropping of charges against Snowden, immediately reinstating his passport and ceasing attempts to obstruct his right to seek asylum.
It also asks an executive public consultation on the activities of the NSA and the declassification of all orders issued under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Many have already taken a stand in favor of Edward Snowden and against the actions of the United States, including citizens that took part in the “Restore the Fourth” movements of the past two months.