The European Parliament passed a resolution Thursday urging European Union nations to protect former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden from extradition to the United States, calling him an "international human rights defender."
The resolution, barely gaining approval by a 285-281 vote, was a symbolic nod to Snowden and snub to the Obama administration. The White House wants Snowden to return from de facto exile in Russia to face charges that include two counts of violating the Espionage Act and one count of theft of government property.
The resolution calls on EU member states to "drop any criminal charges against Edward Snowden, grant him protection and consequently prevent extradition or rendition by third parties, in recognition of his status as whistle-blower and international human rights defender".
"Game-changer," Snowden tweeted, adding, "This is not a blow against the US Government, but an open hand extended by friends. It is a chance to move forward."Read the rest of the story HERE and view a related video below:
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