Ron Paul Launches Snowden Clemency Petition

Asylum for the NSA whistle-blower, who is in Russia, expires in July

Former Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) has started a petition demanding clemency for the former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor who revealed its metadata surveillance program.

"Edward Snowden sacrificed his livelihood, citizenship, and freedom by exposing the disturbing scope of the NSA's worldwide spying program. Thanks to one man's courageous actions, Americans know about the truly egregious ways their government is spying on them," Paul says in a video on his Ron Paul Channel website, which he started last summer. 

The petition asks supporters to sign the petition to bring Snowden back to the United States before his status of temporary asylum in Russia expires in late July.

"By signing this petition, you are telling the U.S. government that Mr. Snowden deserves the right to come home without the fear of persecution or imprisonment," the webpage says.