Whistleblower Edward Snowden has been nominated for Nobel Prize by two Norwegian lawmakers, Wednesday.
Bard Vegar Solhiell and Snorre Valen of the Socialist Left Party announced the news on their party website. They described Snowden as someone who "revealed the nature and technological prowess of modern surveillance." This way he contributed to peace.
Both the men are qualified as national lawmakers to give a nomination of their choice, according to the Norwegian Nobel Committee rules, reported CNN.
"There is no doubt that the actions of Edward Snowden may have damaged the security interests of several nations in the short term. We do not necessarily condone or support all of his disclosures," the joint statement read. "We are, however, convinced that the public debate and changes in policy that have followed in the wake of Snowden's whistleblowing has contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order. His actions have in effect led to the reintroduction of trust and transparency as a leading principle in global security policies. Its value can't be overestimated."
The 30-year-old NSA leaker gained worldwide attention after he revealed secret information on the U.S. government's policies on surveillance, last year June. The revelations triggered diplomatic rows between the US and the other nations. One such NSA leak said the country tapped the German Chancellor Angela Merkel's personal cell-phone, reported The Independent.
Snowden is under temporary asylum in Russia since last August. He was recently nominated for the rectorial post of the University of Glasgow. Last year, he lost to Pope Francis as the Time magazine's Person of the Year.
People eligible to submit nominations for Nobel Peace Prize include politicians and barrister around the world. According to Reuters, last year there were 259 nominees. But the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons won the award for its efforts to eliminate Syria's chemical weaponry.
