Snowden Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Two Norwegian politicians have nominated fugitive U.S. intelligence leaker Edward Snowden for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Socialists Baard Vegar Solhjell and Snorre Valen said they do not condone all of Snowden’s disclosures, and they acknowledge he may have damaged the national security of several countries.

But they said they are convinced that his whistleblowing sparked a public debate and changes in policy. They say those changes have contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order.

Snowden, a former contractor for the U.S. National Security Agency, revealed last year that the NSA was tracking telephone calls by U.S. citizens and several foreign leaders as part of the fight against terrorism.

The United States wants to put Snowden on trial for alleged espionage and stealing secret documents.

Russian President Vladimir Putin granted Snowden a year’s asylum.

The deadline for nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize is Saturday. The prize committee does not disclose the nominees. It will award the prize in October. Last year’s winner was the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

VOA