Wikileaks Legal Director and former Spanish Judge, Mr Baltasar Garzon
Mr Edward Snowden, the American whistleblower who exposed evidence of a global surveillance regime conducted by US and UK intelligence agencies, has left Hong Kong legally. He is bound for the Republic of Ecuador via a safe route for the purposes of asylum, and is being escorted by diplomats and legal advisors from WikiLeaks.
Mr Snowden requested that WikiLeaks use its legal expertise and experience to secure his safety. Once Mr Snowden arrives in Ecuador his request will be formally processed.
Former Spanish Judge Mr Baltasar Garzon, legal director of Wikileaks and lawyer for Julian Assange has made the following statement:
“The WikiLeaks legal team and I are interested in preserving Mr Snowden’s rights and protecting him as a person. What is being done to Mr Snowden and to Mr Julian Assange – for making or facilitating disclosures in the public interest – is an assault against the people”.
Footnote:
Judge Baltasar Garzón came to international attention on 10 October 1998 when he issued an international warrant for the arrest of former Chilean President, General Augusto Pinochet, for the alleged deaths and torture of Spanish citizens. Although the British government refused to extradite Pinochet,[1] it was the first time that a former government head was arrested on the principle of universal jurisdiction.
Related articles
- Garzón to advise cyberespionage whistleblower Snowden (elpais.com)
- Official statement from WikiLeaks regarding Edward Snowden’s exit from Hong Kong (wikileaks.org)
- Snowden seeking asylum in Ecuador, says WikiLeaks (salon.com)
- WikiLeaks helps clear path for Snowden move out of Hong Kong (theage.com.au)