More than sixty celebrities and thinkers have signed a statement pledging their support for Edward Snowden and encouraging donations to his official defence fund. Signed by Susan Sarandon, Russell Brand, Peter Sarsgaard, M.I.A., Thurston Moore, David Berman, Vivienne Westwood, Alfonso Cuaròn and several other artists and intellectuals, the statement praises the work of Edward Snowden and other whistleblowers, highlighting the need to support these individuals as they face social and legal persecution for their revelations to the public.

The statement reads as follows:

We stand in support of those fearless whistleblowers and publishers who risk their lives and careers to stand up for truth and justice. Thanks to the courage of sources like Daniel Ellsberg, Chelsea Manning, Jeremy Hammond, and Edward Snowden, the public can finally see for themselves the war crimes, corruption, mass surveillance, and abuses of power of the U.S. government and other governments around the world. WikiLeaks is essential for its fearless dedication in defending these sources and publishing their truths. These bold and courageous acts spark accountability, can transform governments, and ultimately make the world a better place.

The statement was organised by Courage, the organisation that runs this website, which has also published the full list of signatories.