Edward Snowden - Full Documentary 2016

Summary

The video script details the dramatic story of Edward Snowden, a former NSA analyst who leaked classified information about mass surveillance programs. Snowden, portrayed as a whistleblower and a traitor, fled the US and became a fugitive. The narrative follows his journey from Hong Kong, where he met with journalists, to his time in Moscow's airport transit zone, where he was stuck for weeks. It highlights the global manhunt, diplomatic tensions, and the race to find asylum, culminating in Russia granting him temporary asylum. The script also touches on the implications for privacy, government surveillance, and the international response to Snowden's actions.

Takeaways

• 😷 Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor, leaked details of a secret surveillance program and became a fugitive, seeking asylum from various countries.
• 🔍 Snowden disappeared in Hong Kong after revealing the extent of the NSA's mass surveillance programs, which collected phone records and internet data on an unprecedented scale.
• 📰 Journalists from The Guardian published the first stories based on Snowden's documents without revealing their source, keeping Snowden's identity a secret initially.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The US government launched a massive manhunt for Snowden, with high-level officials calling for his capture and trial for crimes such as espionage.
• 🛫 Snowden's escape from Hong Kong was facilitated by WikiLeaks and its legal adviser Sarah Harrison, who helped him navigate a complex path to safety.
• 📜 The US government's indictment against Snowden included serious charges like espionage, which could have resulted in the death penalty if he were caught.
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong authorities did not immediately arrest Snowden, creating a window of opportunity for him to leave for Moscow despite US pressure.
• 🛂 A mistake in Snowden's extradition documents by the US State Department allowed him to leave Hong Kong, as the authorities needed time to correct the error.
• 🇷🇺 Russia eventually granted Snowden temporary asylum for one year, allowing him to leave the airport and live freely within the country's borders.
• 🌍 Snowden's case highlighted the strained relations between the US and other nations, as European countries denied his asylum requests under US pressure.
• 🛬 The incident with Bolivian President Evo Morales' plane being denied entry and forced to land due to rumors of Snowden being on board further complicated US-EU relations.

Q & A

Who is Edward Snowden and what is he known for?

Edward Snowden is a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor who became internationally known for leaking thousands of classified documents to the public. His disclosures revealed extensive internet and telephone surveillance programs by the NSA and other signal intelligence agencies, sparking widespread debate over mass surveillance, privacy, and civil liberties.

Why did Snowden choose to leak the NSA documents?

Snowden leaked the documents because he was disturbed by the realization that the United States government was increasingly making decisions that departed from the rule of law. He believed that the public had a right to know about the mass surveillance programs and the potential violation of their privacy rights.

What was Snowden's initial concern about meeting journalists in Hong Kong?

Snowden was concerned about the potential risks of the meeting, including the possibility that the journalists could be agents or that the US authorities could have intercepted the communications. He was worried about falling into a trap set by the NSA.

What method did Snowden use to verify his identity to the journalists?

Snowden used a Rubik's Cube as a signaling device to verify his identity. This was a method he invented to ensure that the journalists were meeting the right person and not an agent or someone else.

What precautions did Snowden take to protect himself and the information he had?

Snowden took several precautions, such as piling pillows against the door jam to prevent anyone from entering the room unnoticed, using a big red hood to cover his head and computer when entering passwords, and being cautious about accessing his laptops to avoid being seen through the window or by hidden cameras.

Why did Snowden choose to reveal his identity after the initial publication of the NSA documents?

Snowden chose to reveal his identity to take ownership of his actions and to show that he was not working for any foreign government. He wanted to make it clear that he was acting on his own convictions and was providing the information to the public, not to any adversary of the United States.

How did the US government respond to Snowden's disclosures and his escape?

The US government responded by launching a massive manhunt for Snowden, pressuring foreign governments to detain and extradite him, and charging him with espionage, theft, and conversion of government property. They also attempted to pressure Hong Kong and other jurisdictions to cooperate in his arrest.

What role did WikiLeaks and Sarah Harrison play in Snowden's escape?

WikiLeaks and Sarah Harrison, a WikiLeaks journalist, played a crucial role in helping Snowden escape from Hong Kong. They provided legal advice, helped secure his travel to Moscow, and assisted him in applying for asylum in various countries. Harrison accompanied Snowden throughout his journey, providing support and protection.

Why did Snowden end up in Russia, and what challenges did he face there?

Snowden ended up in Russia because it was a transit point on his way to a country that could offer him asylum. However, he faced significant challenges, including the cancellation of his US passport by the American government, which left him stranded in the Moscow airport's transit zone.

What was the impact of Snowden's disclosures on public opinion and government policies?

Snowden's disclosures sparked a global debate about mass surveillance, privacy rights, and government transparency. They led to increased scrutiny of intelligence agencies, legal challenges against mass surveillance programs, and policy changes in some countries to better protect individual privacy.