Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters
NSA Whistleblower Seeks Safety in Hong Kong -- China Digital Times
The leak that recently revealed the U.S. National Security Agency’s court-ordered surveillance of Verizon call detail records, as well as U.S. Internet firms’ alleged cooperation with government agencies, resurrected concerns over the reach of the USA Patriot Act, and carried criticisms of a Bush-era practice over to the Obama administration. In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, the whistleblower behind the leak has revealed his identity and current location: 29-year-old former CIA technical assistant Edward Snowden has been holed up in a Hong Kong hotel room since leaving the U.S. on May 20. From The Guardian:
On May 20, he boarded a flight to Hong Kong, where he has remained ever since. He chose the city because “they have a spirited commitment to free speech and the right of political dissent”, and because he believed that it was one of the few places in the world that both could and would resist the dictates of the US government.
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More News On NSA Whistlebolwer Edward Snowden Seeking Asylum In Hong Kong
NSA Whistleblower Edward Snowden Seeks Asylum -- Fiscal Times
The NSA Leaker Being In Hong Kong Sets Up A Very Uncomfortable Diplomatic Stand-Off -- Business Insider
Has the US become the type of nation from which you have to seek asylum? -- Timothy B. Lee, Washington Post
China and Hong Kong Hold Edward Snowden's Fate -- Atlantic Wire
My Comment: I do expect Hong Kong/China to give him asylum. But Hong Kong is no Hawaii .... and being one who lived in Hong Kong for 2 months (summer 1988) and multiple visits since .... it can be a very hot/smelly/polluted/noisy place. Mind you .... the food is good. Clothes and fashion are excellent/cheap. Taxes are very low. And if the web is your thing .... a great place to put up shop.