Pardon Edward Snowden

Pardon Edward Snowden is an open petition that started on July 09, 2013 and has received over 162,000 signatures. It is relation of NSA leaker Edward Snowden who came under fire after he revealed secrets about America's counter-terrorism system, which was supposedly confidential infomation. While he may have fled the US, if he ever returns of free or is somehow deported back, he faces up to 30 years of jail time with two counts of violating the Espionage Act and theft of government property which is the files. However, many sympathizers feel that he shouldn't be punished, and thus this petition asks for a presidental pardon to be given unto him for any crimes so that he may come back to the US.

Petition statement:

Edward Snowden is a national hero and should be immediately issued a a full, free, and absolute pardon for any crimes he has committed or may have committed related to blowing the whistle on secret NSA surveillance programs.

Petition link

News reports:
 * 6/26/14: US News: White House Ignores Snowden Petition for Full Year
 * 3/24/14: US News: 9 Months, No Response for 'Pardon Edward Snowden' White House Petition
 * 6/24/13: HuffingtonPost: Edward Snowden Pardon Petition Passes 100,000 Signatures
 * 6/22/13: Mashable: 'Pardon Edward Snowden' Petition Reaches 100,000-Signature Threshold
 * 6/22/13: The Daily Dot: After espionage charges, Edward Snowden petition reaches critical mass
 * 6/10/13: The Hill: 20,000 sign petition urging Obama to pardon NSA whistle-blower
 * 6/10/13: Business Insider: Petition To Pardon Edward Snowden As A 'National Hero' Nears 10,000 Signatures
 * 6/10/13: HuffingtonPost: Edward Snowden Pardon Petition Launches On White House Website