Edward Snowden requested a pardon from Obama

Edward Snowden, the most famous whistleblower in American history, today requested a pardon from US President Barack Obama, stating that the disclosure of mass espionage carried out by British and American security services was morally necessary and in the interest of public welfare, reports the Patria News Agency. 

After publishing thousands of secret documents in 2013, Snowden sought asylum in Russia. His permit to stay in that country expires next year. The US is seeking him for espionage and theft of state property. He faces at least 30 years in prison.
 
Last year, a petition calling for Snowden's pardon was signed by 150,000 people. Numerous Snowden supporters hope that the film by renowned director Oliver Stone about the Snowden case will further sensitize the public to his request. The film is coming to American cinemas on Friday.

Although Obama, before entering the White House, was a lawyer who often advocated for the right to privacy and warned of the dangers of mass surveillance, American media believe it is unlikely that he will grant Snowden a presidential pardon.

The chances are even smaller that Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton will do so, for whose presidential race Snowden stated that it was "unprecedented in the number of authoritarian political ideas being put forward." , writes Index.