‘Give Snowden asylum in France’

A PETITION launched today to give American whistleblower Edward Snowden asylum in France has already gathered thousands of signatures.

News magazine L’Express has published a manifesto and petition today, saying that “France, country of human rights and freedom of the press, has a particular obligation towards [him].”

This is because “the Constitution states that any person persecuted for their actions in favour of freedom has the right of asylum on the Republic’s territory”.

Already signed by dozens of celebrities, including former prime minister Michel Rocard, the petition asks President Hollande and Prime Minister Manuel Valls to welcome Snowden “without delay, as a political refugee”.

However, Mr Valls told journalists today that he does not favour the idea.

Snowden, an IT specialist who leaked thousands of classified documents relating to American surveillance operations, currently has temporary asylum in Russia, but has been seeking asylum in the EU and has also made a formal request to Brazil.

Charged by the USA with spying and stealing state documents, his revelations have caused tensions with America’s allies, showing that Washington has even been recording leaders’ private conversations.

His disclosures fuelled debate over surveillance and government secrecy, with some hailing him a hero and others a traitor. Students at Glasgow University voted for him to hold the honorary post of university “rector” earlier this year.

Photo: Laura Poitras / Praxis Films