Whistleblower Edward Snowden was nominated for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize on Wednesday.
The former National Security Agency contractor became a household name last June when he leaked classified security documents outlining the NSA’s extensive phone and email surveillance, sparking an international debate on the balance between privacy and security in the process.
While nominations for the prize aren’t typically publicized, two Norwegian lawmakers have announced their support for Snowden. Guardian reports:
The Socialist Left party politicians Baard Vegar Solhjell, a former environment minister, and Snorre Valen said the public debate and policy changes in the wake of Snowden's whistleblowing had ‘contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order’. … Nominators, including members of national parliaments and governments, university professors and previous laureates, must enter their submissions by February.
The nomination comes on the heels of President Barack Obama's promise to work with Congress to reform surveillance programs in Tuesday's State of the Union address. Obama himself was awarded the Peace Prize in 2009 for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."
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Alex Wolff is a Spring 2014 editorial intern.
