Snowden Describes Russian Government As 'corrupt'

National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden has delivered his most trenchant criticism yet of the Russian government, describing it unequivocally as “corrupt”. His comments  is potentially risky for him if Donald Trump was to request Vladimir Putin to hand him over.

Snowden is wanted in the US on three charges under the Espionage Act, carrying a minimum of 10 years each in jail. Putin could balance the propaganda value of having Snowden in Russia against providing Trump with an easy gift.

In an interview with the German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung Snowden, who has lived in Russia since 2013, said: 

“The Russian government is corrupt in many ways, that’s something the Russian people realise. Russian people are warm. They are clever. It’s a beautiful country. Their government is the problem not the people.”

Snowden faced criticism in the first couple of years after he arrived in Russia of not criticising the Putin government but he has gradually become more outspoken, including in his defence of journalists.

Russia is the only safe haven in the world for Snowden. China would not allow him access to the mainland when he was in Hong Kong in 2013. 

Neither Germany, where there is strong public support for Snowden, nor any other European country appears willing to fall out with the US by offering him sanctuary. If he made it to Latin America or anywhere else in the world, the US could apply economic pressure or send in a CIA team to kidnap him. He said:

“I’ve already accepted that I am going to spend my life dealing with enormous consequences for my decision to tell the public what I know. But if not for me, by all means, Germany should pass the necessary laws to allow future whistleblowers to find a safe harbour.”

Snowden said if a Russian whistleblower was to turn up on chancellor Angela Merkel’s doorstep, she would protect them. “But if an American whistleblower shows up on Merkel’s doorstep? That question has not been answered,” Snowden said.

He expressed disappointment with Merkel’s public position on whistleblowers. “We’ve talked so much about Russia today and the disappointments and the challenges that the public is facing because of the problems of their government. What would it say to the world if the only place an American whistleblower can be safe is in Russia?”

Asked about WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, with whom he is often compared, Snowden said:

“I’m a reformist, he’s a revolutionary. I don’t want to burn the system down, if I believe it can still be saved.”

Although Assange helped organise Snowden’s escape from Hong Kong, the two hold many different views, including how much classified information should be published, with Snowden favouring a more selective approach.

Guardian:

You Might Also Read: 

Snowden – Five Years Later:

British Police Continue A Secret Snowden Investigation:
 

« A British Puzzle To Find Hidden Cyber Talents
Five Eyes Spies Turn To Commercial Innovation »

ManageEngine
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Check Point

Directory of Suppliers

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

Practice Labs

Practice Labs

Practice Labs is an IT competency hub, where live-lab environments give access to real equipment for hands-on practice of essential cybersecurity skills.

ManageEngine

ManageEngine

As the IT management division of Zoho Corporation, ManageEngine prioritizes flexible solutions that work for all businesses, regardless of size or budget.

BackupVault

BackupVault

BackupVault is a leading provider of automatic cloud backup and critical data protection against ransomware, insider attacks and hackers for businesses and organisations worldwide.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

Cyber Command

Cyber Command

Our Managed IT service allows clients to offload the management of day-to-day computer, server, and networking support to our team of professionals.

Compumatica

Compumatica

Compumatica is a leading European ICT security manufacturer for cybersecurity and encryption products. Solutions include network security, SCADA/ICS security, Mobile/BYOD and email encryption.

Digital Hands

Digital Hands

Digital Hands is an award-winning managed security services provider.

Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS)

Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS)

SAS is the national accreditation body for Switzerland. The directory of members provides details of organisations offering certification services for ISO 27001.

Fastcomcorp

Fastcomcorp

Fastcomcorp offers a world-class proactive cyber security defense and risk management consulting. Including Darkweb monitoring and posture assessments.

HiScout

HiScout

HiScout is your integrated management system for IT governance, risk & compliance.

Pristine InfoSolutions

Pristine InfoSolutions

Pristine InfoSolutions is a global IT services and Information Security Company focused on delivering smart, next-generation business solutions.

European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC)

European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC)

The ECCC aims to increase Europe’s cybersecurity capacities and competitiveness, working together with a Network of National Coordination Centres to build a strong cybersecurity Community.

AdronH

AdronH

AdronH is a company of Cyber Security consultants. We support companies and public institutions with their digital transformation to new and secure business platforms.

VMware

VMware

VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control.

PointWire

PointWire

PointWire offers a range of cybersecurity solutions and services including Penetration Testing on various levels, as well as Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems.

Cytek

Cytek

Cytek is a leading provider of cybersecurity and HIPAA compliance for dental practices and other industries.

AI Security Institute (AISI)

AI Security Institute (AISI)

The AI Security Institute’s mission is to minimise surprise to the UK and humanity from rapid and unexpected advances in AI.

SoteriaSec

SoteriaSec

SoteriaSec is a premier cybersecurity firm providing comprehensive digital forensics and incident response services.

CR Group

CR Group

CR Group is a Swedish-owned, cyber-security company oriented towards the European market. We offer solutions for vital societal functions that are both easy-to-buy and easy-to-use.

Maverits

Maverits

At Maverits, we are on a mission to reshape the cybersecurity landscape. We offer a wide range of services, including Threat Intelligence, Incident Response, Consulting & Training.