The "New York Times" and "Guardian" newspapers have called for clemency for Edward Snowden, the contractor who leaked classified information on U.S. electronic spying.
The U.S. and British dailies -- both of which have published U.S. intelligence information leaked by Snowden -- said in editorials that Snowden should be praised, not punished for his disclosures.
"The New York Times" wrote that "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."
Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor, is currently residing in Russia.
He faces espionage charges in the United States over leaks that U.S. officials have described as damaging.
However, talk of possible amnesty has been circulating for several weeks after it was mentioned by senior NSA official Rick Leggett.
The U.S. and British dailies -- both of which have published U.S. intelligence information leaked by Snowden -- said in editorials that Snowden should be praised, not punished for his disclosures.
"The New York Times" wrote that "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."
Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor, is currently residing in Russia.
He faces espionage charges in the United States over leaks that U.S. officials have described as damaging.
However, talk of possible amnesty has been circulating for several weeks after it was mentioned by senior NSA official Rick Leggett.
