Controversial and former American intelligence worker, Edward Snowden, has been nominated by politicians from the Green Party in Europe for the Sakharov Prize. The prize is given out annually and is seen as Europe’s top human rights award. Snowden is being recognized for the risks that he took and the potential dangers that he put himself into to reveal the details of the American surveillance programs. Other nominees include Malala Yousafzai, a teenager in Pakistan who was shot while standing up for women’s education, and a group of political dissidents who were jailed for protesting against a controversial election.

The Award

Named after Andrei Sakharov, the award is given out annually in Brussels. Sakharov was a scientist and dissident in the former Soviet Union. The Green Party in the European Parliament recognized Snowden for his work believing that he has done a tremendous service to the people of Europe and the world. Snowden, who is currently in Russia under asylum, says that he grateful for the nomination and to be recognized for the dangers that he took to do what he believes was right. He believes that surveillance on entire populations rather than on single individuals is not the way that the government should be operating and that it was the right thing to expose them. With the modern age of technology, surveillance of this kind can be seen as a significant human rights issue. The winner of the prize will be announced on October 10 in Brussels with a prize of $65,000. They will join past winners such as Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi.

Comments and Thoughts

Snowden, speaking from Russia, believes that people have a right to know when the government is watching them without evidence to support claims. He goes to clarify his positions that these decisions should be made by people with full consent and after debate. They are not decisions that should be made behind closed doors and without outsider’s knowledge and perspective.

While he remains a controversial figure within the United States, many on the far left of the political spectrum look up the former intelligence officer ad respect him for taking a stand to do what he believes in. Doing the right thing is not always the popular thing. It takes remarkable individuals to truly accomplish something in the face of danger. The Greens in the European Union believe that Snowden represents these ideals and should be recognized for standing up against wrongs committed by the United States government. He faces tough competition amongst the other candidates that have been nominated, however it is still no small feat.

Looking back at what past winners and nominated individuals have accomplished, Snowden is already in good company by being nominated. The world will have to wait another week before finding out if he is able to take home the top prize. However, all of the candidates are deserving of the award and it is a good sign that there are still people in the world with the integrity to stand up for what they believe in.