Assange: Snowden 'A Hero'

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange appeared on ABC’s This Week on Sunday to blast the United States for revoking the passport of NSA leaker Julian Assange. He called Snowden a “hero,” explaining, “He has told the people of the world and the United States that there is a mass unlawful interception of their communications.” He said, “I think that every citizen has the right to their citizenship, to take someone’s principle form of citizenship, their passport, is a disgrace.”

Assange is located in Ecuador, the country to which Snowden is reportedly considering fleeing. Assange also said that Wikileaks personnel had been in touch with Snowden. “I can’t say anything about the present situation,” he said. “I have a personal sympathy for Mr. Snowden. We did what we could and will continue to try to help him through.”

Assange said that Wikileaks had also contacted Snowden’s father, who has suggested that Snowden should come back to the United States. “We have established contact with Mr. Snowden’s father lawyer to put some of his concerns to rest,” said Assange.