Edward Snowden has shown courage by denouncing the widespread surveillance techniques used by the US national security agency (NSA) to spy on European institutions and citizens, violating their fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly the right to privacy.
He has also lifted the lid on the role of multinational corporations such as Google, Apple and Facebook.
"Edward Snowden has sacrificed his own private life to confirm what many had long suspected regarding mass online surveillance"
Edward Snowden has sacrificed his own private life to confirm what many had long suspected regarding mass online surveillance, which is nothing short of one of the biggest scandals of our times.
The aim of the Sakharov prize is to honour exceptional individuals who combat intolerance, fanaticism and oppression. Edward Snowden's actions clearly meet these criteria.
Edward Snowden is absolutely worthy of the Sakharov prize. By nominating him the European parliament has honoured all whistleblowers who dare to denounce states that breach fundamental rights. The parliament refuses to see them treated as criminals and demands that they be protected.