Edward Snowden flees to Ecuador

Edward Snowden, the man responsible for leaking the fact that the NSA is seeking to monitor the worlds conversations and internet habits, has left his hiding place in Hong Kong and is heading to Ecuador (via Moscow) to have his asylum application processed there.

Julian Assange the other day had a meeting where he's holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy, with officials from there about Snowden. Given Assanges close involvement in the case I'd expect asylum to be granted to Snowden in Ecuador.

Reaction has been swift. From the US:

General Keith Alexander, director of the National Security Agency attacked Mr Snowden as “an individual who is not acting, in my opinion, with noble intent".

Republican Senator Lindsay Graham earlier told Fox News: “I hope we'll chase him to the ends of the earth, bring him to justice and let the Russians know there will be consequences if they harbor this guy.”

Congressman and member of the US House of Representatives intelligence committee Peter King said: “I think it is important for the American people to realize that this guy is a traitor, a defector, he’s not a hero.” Read more

From Assange:

In a statement issued last night WikiLeaks said Mr Snowden was “bound for the Republic of Ecuador via a safe route for the purposes of asylum, and is being escorted by diplomats and legal advisors from WikiLeaks”.

“Mr Snowden requested that WikiLeaks use its legal expertise and experience to secure his safety. Once Mr Snowden arrives in Ecuador his request will be formally processed.

“Owing to our own circumstances, WikiLeaks has developed significant expertise in international asylum and extradition law, associated diplomacy and the practicalities in these matters,” Mr Assange told Fairfax Media.

“I have great personal sympathy for Ed Snowden’s position. WikiLeaks absolutely supports his decision to blow the whistle on the mass surveillance of the world’s population by the US government.” Read more

And finally from RootsAction, a petition to sign (anyone in the world can) to President Obama stating:

I urge you in the strongest terms to do nothing to interfere with the travels or political asylum process of Edward Snowden. The U.S. government must not engage in abduction or any other form of foul play against Mr. Snowden. sign here

I of course am completely in agreement with Snowden and Assange. The days where the US can do whatever the fuck it likes to people are starting to look sort of numbered. I sincerely hope that the conversation started by Snowden around the world will further dictate the direction the world takes from here in regard to gov secrecy. Indeed a noble cause.

Unfortunately all the US seems to be about with all this is to demonise the messenger.