Mr. Snowden, 29, was working for Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in such areas as defense, intelligence, civil markets etc. He revealed top secret documents of the National Security Agency (NSA) to the media from Hong Kong, where he is now seeking asylum.
It is reported that he might have left the luxury hotel where he arrived from the US on May 20. He reportedly arrived in Hong Kong without providing any information to his family or girlfriend back home.
Snowden told the UK’s The Guardian, "The only thing I can do is sit here and hope the Hong Kong government does not deport me.” He hinted that if this arrangement does not work, he might look for refuge in Iceland.
Senior US congressmen said that by revealing top secret intelligence information, Snowden has assisted al-Qaida. In his statements to the media, Snowden disclosed how the US government collects telephone and online information. Some intelligence officials believe he is a Chinese agent.
Republican congressman Peter King of New York who is the chairman of the House Homeland Security committee, said in a statement, "The United States government must prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law and begin extradition proceedings at the earliest date.”
Former US Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton said it was the “the worst form of treason." He said that Snowden must be charged under the Espionage Act of 1917.
"This man is a liar,” he said. “He took an oath to keep the secrets that were shared with him so he could do his job. He said he would not disclose them, and he lied."
It is believed that the Department of Justice has started looking into the case. FBI officials have also visited Snowden father’s home in Pennsylvania.
Jay Carney, the White House press secretary, declined to discuss "this individual or this investigation."
Talking about other effects of collecting intelligence data,
Bob Baer, a former CIA case officer, said, "The process has just been a great wealth transfer to the private sector. And I hate the systems they've built because they never caught a terrorist."
Snowden said that Hong Kong had a "spirited commitment to free speech and the right of political dissent."
Some specialists on the subject say that going to Hong Kong and seeking asylum was not a smart move as Snowden might be handed over to the US government, since it is a territory that has a 17-year-old extradition treaty with Washington.
However, Hong Kong's asylum system may benefit Snowden, as a new court ruling was made there in March.
Hong Kong’s government was dependent on United Nations refugee authorities for rulings related to asylum - which has been altered, and Hong Kong now must establish its own asylum screening process.
Steve Vickers, former head of criminal intelligence for the Hong Kong police, said, “I think they won’t do anything ... if he’s here legally and lawfully.” U.S. citizens can visit Hong Kong without a visa and stay for up to 90 days.
Birgitta Jonsdottir, a member of Iceland's parliament who previously helped WikiLeaks when it revealed US secrets, said the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative was willing to help Mr. Snowden and provide him protection.
"We feel it is our duty to offer to assist and advise Mr. Snowden to the greatest of our ability," he said in a statement.
Avaline is based in Islamabad, Federal Capital Area, Pakistan,
and is a Reporter for Allvoices.
Culled from Allvoices.
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