Top newspapers around the world are urging President Barack Obama to show compassion towards former NSA contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden.
In one of its first editorials of 2014, The New York Times editorial board wrote Wednesday that Obama should offer Snowden a lenient sentence instead of treating him like the ultimate lawbreaker.
"Considering the enormous value of the information he has revealed, and the abuses he has exposed, Mr. Snowden deserves better than a life of permanent exile, fear and flight," the New York Times editorial board wrote.
Snowden is currently in Russia where he was granted temporary asylum. Snowden, 30, fled the U.S. after he leaked secret government documents to The Guardian revealing the NSA was spying on the phone and Internet activity of Americans.
"He may have committed a crime to do so, but he has done his country a great service," the New York Times wrote. "It is time for the United States to offer Mr. Snowden a plea bargain or some form of clemency that would allow him to return home, face at least substantially reduced punishment in light of his role as whistle-blower, and have the hope of a life advocating for greater privacy."
According to a government complaint, Snowden is charged with violating the Espionage Act, including stealing government property, The New York Times' editorial said.
The Guardian echoed the same sentiments in its own editorial, saying Obama has not shown mercy for whistleblowers in the past, in particular the convicted Private Chelsea Manning.
"Man does civic duty, and is warmly thanked? Of course not," The Guardian wrote. What Snowden did "was an act of some moral courage." He "had given people enough knowledge about the nature of modern intelligence-gathering to allow an informed debate," The Guardian wrote.
Obama said Snowden needs to face the consequences of his actions, The New York Times wrote. Obama had also signed an executive order that granted protection to whistleblowers. However, the executive order only applies to intelligence employees, and not contractors like Snowden, The New York Times wrote. There was no protection for Snowden.
"Presidents- from Franklin Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan- have issued pardons," The Guardian wrote. "We hope that calm heads within the present administration are working on a strategy to allow Mr. Snowden to return to the U.S. with dignity."
