Det har under en tid pågått en namninsamling i USA där man försöker få till stånd en benådan av visselblåsaren Edward Snowden från USA:s regering och nu har Vita Huset meddelat att man inte kommer att benåda Snowden.

Kampanjen har samlat in över 167.000 underskrifter på den amerikanska regeringens egna plattform för sådana här medborgarkampanjen och man brukar oftast besvara dessa kampanjer när de fått över 100.000 namnunderskrifter.

Vita Huset skriver bland annat i sitt svar:
"Instead of constructively addressing these issues, Mr. Snowden’s dangerous decision to steal and disclose classified information had severe consequences for the security of our country and the people who work day in and day out to protect it.

If he felt his actions were consistent with civil disobedience, then he should do what those who have taken issue with their own government do: Challenge it, speak out, engage in a constructive act of protest, and — importantly — accept the consequences of his actions. He should come home to the United States, and be judged by a jury of his peers — not hide behind the cover of an authoritarian regime. Right now, he’s running away from the consequences of his actions."