NSA leaker Edward Snowden receives Norwegian freedom of expression honor

BY DENIS SLATTERY 

NSA leaker Edward Snowden received a prize Saturday from the Norwegian Academy of Literature and Freedom of Expression.

The former National Security Agency systems analyst received a standing ovation as a statuette and diploma were put on an empty chair during the award ceremony in the western Norway town of Molde.

Snowden accepted the award via a live video link from Russia.

“We will honor you as the most important whistleblower of our times,” said Hege Newth Nouri, head of the board of the Bjornson Academy.

Snowden, who has asylum in Russia, is wanted by the U.S. government on espionage charges for exposing extensive telephone and data-collection programs used by the NSA. “I knew the consequences of my actions when I took them,” Snowden said.

He was given the prize, which includes 100,000 Norwegian kroner ($12,000

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/edward-snowden-norwegian-freedom-expression-honor-article-1.2350180