"Telling the truth is not a crime"
(Translating into Greek):
To all interested parties,
I have been asked to write to you about your own research into mass surveillance.
I am Edward Joseph Snowden, and I have previously worked on contract or direct hire as a technical expert for the United States National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and Defense Intelligence Agency.
During my service to these organizations, I believe I witnessed systematic violations of the law by my government, which created a moral obligation for me to act. As a result of my reporting on these concerns, I have faced a serious and ongoing campaign of persecution, which has forced me to be separated from my family and home. I currently live in exile, granted temporary asylum in accordance with international law, by the Russian Federation.
I am comforted by the response to my act of political expression, both in the United States and elsewhere. Citizens around the world, as well as high-ranking officials—and within the United States—have seen my revelation of an unaccountable system of pervasive surveillance as a public service. These revelations of espionage have led to the proposal of many new laws and policies to address what previously concealed abuses of the public trust. The benefits to society of this growing knowledge are becoming increasingly clear, and at the same time, the inherent dangers are proving to be mitigated.
Although the outcome of my efforts has been proven positive, my government continues to treat my dissent as treason, and aims to criminalize political speech with a felony and without any possibility of defense. However, telling the truth is not a crime. I am confident that with the support of the international community, the United States government will abandon this harmful behavior. I hope that when the difficulties of this humanitarian situation I am experiencing have been resolved, I will be able to cooperate in a responsible assessment of the facts regarding my media reports, especially regarding the truth and authenticity of the documents, as appropriate and in accordance with the law.
I look forward to speaking with you in your country, when my situation has been resolved, and I thank you for your efforts in upholding the international laws that protect us all.
With my best wishes.
Edward Snowden
October 31, 2013
Translation: Pirate Party of Greece
