Snowden accepts Norwegian prize via video link from Russia

[Lite Beer]

Snowden accepts Norwegian prize via video link from Russia

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Former intelligence worker Edward Snowden has received a prize from the Norwegian Academy of Literature and Freedom of Expression, accepting via a live video link from Russia.

The former National Security Agency systems analyst got a standing ovation Saturday when the statuette and diploma were put on an empty chair during the award ceremony in the western Norway town of Molde.

He was given the prize, which includes 100,000 Norwegian kroner ($12,000), "for his work on the important issue of the right of privacy."

Snowden says the United States "suffers its image, its reputation every year that it is standing against human rights."

If he leaves Russia, he could be extradited to the U.S., where he faces charges for having leaked details of the once-secret surveillance programs.

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-09-06

[Jingthing]

I saw a funny interview with him recently where the interviewer expressed surprise that he was up to date on very current American t.v. series and seemed to be implicitly asking him how does that happen in Russia. Snowden has a pattern of talking that way to show his life is super peachy in Putin's Russia ... not in Siberia.

You could see the awkwardness on his face. It was pretty clear to me he gets them through torrents (or he would have just said how gets them legally) and given his high profile as a whistle blower, there was no way he was going to state that on t.v. He basically acted like the comment wasn't even made ... and just talked about something else. Not saying it's a big deal that he probably uses torrents ... it's just funny considering how he projects himself as a holier than thou truth warrior.

Edited September 6, 2015 by Jingthing

[Usernames]

A defender of the right of privacy. Living in Russia. Sheltered by Putin. There is nothing wrong with civil disobedience to advance a just cause. But be man enough to carry through and face the consequences. For all Snowden knows, bringing his case to the public in the US might help him. Cowering in Russia under the protection of a murdering dictator who spies on his enemies and kills them doesn't help him.

[Jingthing]

His personal story is questionable. The actions he took probably did some good and some bad. But his personal story ... is not exactly so heroic.

[Credo]

I wonder why he didn't travel to Norway to pick up his prize?

[retell]

under the protection of a murdering dictator who spies on his enemies and kills them

think in his opinion the usa does that also ,

if he does get to the us he will be probably never been heard of

[Usernames]

under the protection of a murdering dictator who spies on his enemies and kills them

think in his opinion the usa does that also ,

if he does get to the us he will be probably never been heard of

Just when was the last time a sitting American president had his rival assassinated in the streets? As bad as Obama is, he's never sunk anywhere near that level. (Waiting for the JFK conspiracy nuts to appear in reply.)

[balo]

I wonder why he didn't travel to Norway to pick up his prize?

He wanted to but Norway's good relationship with the US would make sure he would get in trouble . Snowden has sued Norway becase of this. No freedom for him there.

[BuaBS]

I saw a funny interview with him recently where the interviewer expressed surprise that he was up to date on very current American t.v. series and seemed to be implicitly asking him how does that happen in Russia. Snowden has a pattern of talking that way to show his life is super peachy in Putin's Russia ... not in Siberia.

You could see the awkwardness on his face. It was pretty clear to me he gets them through torrents (or he would have just said how gets them legally) and given his high profile as a whistle blower, there was no way he was going to state that on t.v. He basically acted like the comment wasn't even made ... and just talked about something else. Not saying it's a big deal that he probably uses torrents ... it's just funny considering how he projects himself as a holier than thou truth warrior.

He should torrent ! Why support a government of a country that wants to jail or kill you with your money.

He is a hero but he did not go far enough. But does it matter , billions of fools still use the most damaging tools against privacy : facebook , google , twitter , smartphone and don't bother to use encryption.

It's great he won a prize and some extra money that he surely will need .

[Srikcir]

Snowden might be more afraid of the IRS than NSA if he hasn't been filing tax returns since he fled the USA.

Maybe it's time for him to renounce his USA citizenship and become a Russian.

He just needs to attend an exit interview at the USA embassy in Moscow.

[Skeptic7]

A defender of the right of privacy. Living in Russia. Sheltered by Putin. There is nothing wrong with civil disobedience to advance a just cause. But be man enough to carry through and face the consequences. For all Snowden knows, bringing his case to the public in the US might help him. Cowering in Russia under the protection of a murdering dictator who spies on his enemies and kills them doesn't help him.

It would NOT help him to face the consequences of a pissed off and embarrassed US Government. Snowden is a hero of the highest magnitude and should be given the highest regard and accolades, but back in the USA they would incarcerate him for life or hang him for high treason. Life in Russia is a much better alternative to that.

[derator01]

A conspiracy post has been removed from view.

[phil2]

I saw a funny interview with him recently where the interviewer expressed surprise that he was up to date on very current American t.v. series and seemed to be implicitly asking him how does that happen in Russia. Snowden has a pattern of talking that way to show his life is super peachy in Putin's Russia ... not in Siberia.

You could see the awkwardness on his face. It was pretty clear to me he gets them through torrents (or he would have just said how gets them legally) and given his high profile as a whistle blower, there was no way he was going to state that on t.v. He basically acted like the comment wasn't even made ... and just talked about something else. Not saying it's a big deal that he probably uses torrents ... it's just funny considering how he projects himself as a holier than thou truth warrior.

There's cable, as well as satellite TV in Russia, and I know there are lots of Americans living and working there. Also, AME is the preferred version of the English language in Russia, so it'd make sense for them to receive American TV programs there. Are you not aware that Netflix works (through VPN) outside mainland USA?

He had those questions at his disposal before the interview.

[sgtsabai]

Snowden, a true American hero. Those spying on Americans and the innocent citizens of the world, and authorizing such should be the ones facing disappearance/assignation, not him. He knows full well, probably more so than 99% of the world what would happen to him if the US got its grubby hands on him.

[NOC]

As a tribute to a person I believe is a half-way decent person, who paid the true price of freedom, I post an article. Apparently, I'm not alone in my opinion.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/nyregion/a-removed-snowden-sculpture-inspires-a-hologram-in-its-place.html