U.S. Government Wants to Send Edward Snowden to Prison, Rejects Pardon Request

edward-snowden-white-houseedward-snowden-white-house — (Credit: Reuters/Bobby Yip)

Short Bytes : The White House has rejected a petition with more than 167,000 signatures to pardon whistleblower Edward Snowden. In an official statement, it was said that Snowden should come back to the U.S. to face consequences of his actions. Rejecting the pardon request, the U.S. government has called actions “dangerous.”

Former NSA contractor has called himself a source of information and documents, revealing the acts of NSA to track people’s cell phone calls and read their internet traffic. In the petition, it was said that Edward Snowden wanted the common public to know what the government was doing without telling them. The petition also argued that Snowden should be issued a “full, free and absolute pardon” as he is a “national hero.”

The White House has responded with a “No” and called his actions dangerous. It was said that he has committed serious crimes and he must face the charges. The White House said that there were other methods to address the issue, but he chose a method of whistleblowing that was inappropriate and a threat to the nation. Responding to the petition, the White House called it an issue that Americans feel very strongly about.

Also read: Edward Snowden Tells How to Build an Internet Focused on Privacy

The petition is signed with 167,954 people who demanded Edward Snowden’s pardon. Lisa Monaco, President Barack Obama’s homeland security and terrorism adviser said in a statement: “We live in a dangerous world.” The statement added:

Mr. Snowden’s dangerous decision to steal and disclose classified information had severe consequences for the security of our country and the people who work day in and day out to protect it.

The statement says that Snowden should accept the consequences of his actions, come back to the US, and be judged by the court. He shouldn’t hide behind some covers and run away from the consequences of his actions.

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