WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange delivered a written blow to the administration for its “hypocritical” treatment of the subject.
While praising US President Barack Obama’s Friday surveillance reforms as a "victory of sorts for Edward Snowden," WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange delivered a written blow to the administration for its “hypocritical” treatment of the subject.
In his Saturday address, Assange said, "As Snowden has stated, his biggest concern was if he blew the whistle and change did not occur…Well, reforms are taking shape, and for that, the President and people of the United States and around the world owe Edward Snowden a debt of gratitude."
Assange also blasted Obama for denying Snowden's role in NSA reforms, stating that “…rather than thank Edward Snowden, the President laughably attempted to criticize him while claiming that there was a plan all along, ‘before Edward Snowden.’ The simple fact is that without Snowden’s disclosures, no one would know about the programs and no reforms could take place.”
Despite the new progressive measures, Obama made clear earlier that he still did not condone the actions of Edward Snowden.
"No, I don't think Mr. Snowden was a patriot...the fact is, Mr. Snowden has been charged with three felonies," the US President said.
The proposed steps have to do with Section 215 of the US Patriot Act and Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act, under which NSA surveillance is considered legal. There will be an effort to ensure greater oversight and transparency, focusing particularly on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court – the body that authorizes surveillance through highly classified channels.