Snowden has spoken to the media and directly to the public three separate times. 10 memorable lines from Snowden

Since coming forward as the source behind leaks about the National Security Agency’s surveillance programs, Edward Snowden has spoken to the media and directly to the public three separate times to explain his reasoning, defend his decisions and clarify the programs. Here are some of his most memorable lines:

1. “Initially I was very encouraged. Unfortunately, the mainstream media now seems far more interested in what I said when I was 17 or what my girlfriend looks like rather than, say, the largest program of suspicionless surveillance in human history.” On public response to the story, during an online Q-and-A hosted by The Guardian.


2. “The US media has a knee-jerk ‘RED CHINA!’ reaction to anything involving HK or the PRC, and is intended to distract from the issue of US government misconduct. Ask yourself: if I were a Chinese spy, why wouldn’t I have flown directly into Beijing? I could be living in a palace petting a phoenix by now.” On whether he’s a spy for China, in an online Q-and-A hosted by The Guardian.

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3. “This country is worth dying for.” On what he would say to other potential whistle blowers, during an online Q-and-A hosted by The Guardian.

4. “All I can say right now is the US Government is not going to be able to cover this up by jailing or murdering me. Truth is coming, and it cannot be stopped.” On the future of the documents in his possession, during an online Q-and-A hosted by The Guardian

5. “Last week the American government happily operated in the shadows with no respect for the consent of the governed, but no longer. Every level of society is demanding accountability and oversight.” On the NSA program, in an interview with the South China Morning Post.

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6. “I’m neither traitor nor hero. I’m an American.” On reaction to his notoriety, in an interview with the South China Morning Post.

7. “I don’t want public attention because I don’t want the story to be about me. I want it to be about what the US government is doing. … I know the media likes to personalise political debates, and I know the government will demonise me.” On avoiding the media spotlight, in an interview with The Guardian.

8. “I, sitting at my desk, certainly had the authorities to wiretap anyone, from you or your accountant, to a federal judge, to even the president, if I had a personal email.” On the extent of the surveillance, in a video interview with The Guardian.

9. “I’m no different from anybody else. I don’t have special skills. I’m just another guy who sits there day-to-day in the office, watches what’s happening and goes, ‘this is something that’s not our place to decide, the public needs to decide whether these programs and policies are right or wrong.’” On his mentality coming forward, in a video interview with The Guardian.

10. “The greatest fear that I have regarding the outcome for America of these disclosures is that nothing will change.” On what will come out of his efforts, in a video interview with The Guardian.

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Edward Snowden