"To tell the truth is not a crime"
(We translate into English):
To all concerned,
I have been asked to write to you about your own mass surveillance survey.
I am Edward Joseph Snowden, I have previously worked through contract or direct hire as a technical expert for the United States National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Defense Intelligence Agency (United States National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and Defense Intelligence Agency).
During my service to these organizations, I believe I have seen systematic violations of the law by my government, which have created a moral obligation to act. As a result of my reports on these concerns, I am facing a serious and persistent campaign of persecution, which has forced me to separate my family and home. I live today in exile, as part of a grant of temporary asylum under international law, by the Russian Federation.
I am comforted by the response to my act of political expression, both in the United States and elsewhere. Citizens around the world, as well as high-ranking officials—and within the United States—have judged this revelation of a nefarious system of pervasive surveillance as providing a public service. These spying revelations have led to the proposal of many new laws and policies to deal with those that previously concealed abuses of the public trust. The benefits for the society of this increasing knowledge become more and more clear and at the same time the dangers involved prove to be mitigated.
Although the result of my efforts is proven to be positive, my government continues to treat my disagreement as a betrayal, and aims to criminalize political speech with a felony and without any possibility of defending. However, telling the truth is not a crime. I am sure that with the support of the international community, the United States government will abandon this harmful behavior. I hope that when the difficulties of this humanitarian situation are resolved I will be able to work for a responsible assessment of the facts about my reports in the media, as appropriate and in accordance with the law.
I look forward to speaking with you in your country when my situation is resolved, and I thank you for your efforts to respect the international laws that protect us all.
With my best wishes.
Edward Snowden
31 October, 2013
Translation: Pirates Party of Greece
