FireDogLake: Lawyer for Edward Snowden – Positive Developments in Switzerland But Issues Still Remain
The attorney general of Switzerland concluded that GAP client and NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden would be safe from extradition if he went to the country to testify as part of an inquiry into NSA surveillance. There may, however, still be other safety issues due to “upper-level government commitments.” GAP National Security & Human Rights Director Jesselyn Radack is quoted.
In other Snowden-related news, this week the whistleblower alleged mass surveillance in New Zealand, countering previous claims from the country’s prime minister John Key. The disclosures come ahead of New Zealand’s general election.
Key Quote (FireDogLake): As explained by Jesselyn Radack, who is a lawyer representing Snowden, the review likely came to this conclusion because under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights if he “has a valid fear of political persecution based on his political opinions” then a country like Switzerland is not supposed to extradite him. And his “valid fear” would stem from being charged with Espionage Act offenses.
A former Air Force imagery analyst says the U.S. drone program “has dangerous, sometimes devastating consequences for too many service members participating in the program,” challenging officials’ assertions that drones reduce or even eliminate the danger to U.S. personnel. This account details the impact – including emotional trauma, substance abuse, and isolation – resulting from using technology the author believes is “not accurate enough to determine life and death.”
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Workzone – Whistleblower Obstacles Growing
News coverage of Countrywide Financial whistleblower Michael Winston’s eight-year saga of retaliation after raising concerns at the company. Last week, he detailed the story of his whistleblowing in a three-part series on GAP’s blog.