Some big names including Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, Moby, M.I.A. and PJ Harvey have signed a statement in support of whistleblower Edward Snowden's actions on WikiLeaks. The artists are encouraging people to donate to the Courage Foundation, which is funding Snowden's legal defense, and promoting the documentary CitizenFour.
Other celebrities trying to raise awareness for Snowden's legal case include Noam Chomsky, Vivienne Westwood, Russell Brand, Alfonso Cuarón, Susan Sarandon and Pamela Anderson.
The group's statement reads, via Pitchfork:
"We stand in support of those fearless whistleblowers and publishers who risk their lives and careers to stand up for truth and justice. Thanks to the courage of sources like Daniel Ellsberg, Chelsea Manning, Jeremy Hammond and Edward Snowden, the public can finally see for themselves the war crimes, corruption, mass surveillance, and abuses of power of the U.S. government and other governments around the world. WikiLeaks is essential for its fearless dedication in defending these sources and publishing their truths. These bold and courageous acts spark accountability, can transform governments and ultimately make the world a better place."
In addition to urging the public to stand in solidarity with Snowden and other whistleblowers, many of the artists are calling on fans to watch CitizenFour, and are raising awareness of the Courage Foundation's whistleblower defense efforts, which fundraises for the legal and public defense of whistleblowers and campaigns for the protection of truthtellers and the public's right to know generally.
CitizenFour is a documentary that features interviews with Snowden. Watch the trailer below.
Snowden was charged last year with theft of government property and violating the Espionage Act for releasing classified documents that exposed certain surveillance programs worldwide. He currently lives in Russia and recently obtained a three-year residency permit.
Readers: What do you think of Snowden's actions? Comment below.
