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Snowden called to give evidence to European Parliament surveillance inquiry

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Supporters-of-Edward-Snow-010The European Parliament today (12 December) invited Edward Snowden to give evidence to the Inquiry into mass surveillance following the PRISM revelations in July.

Snowden will answer MEPs' questions via a pre-recorded message as he is unable to do a live video conference which could reveal his location in Russia.

Claude Moraes MEP, rapporteur for the European Parliament inquiry on the mass surveillance of EU citizens, said: "As the lead MEP of the Parliament's inquiry into mass surveillance I am delighted to see Edward Snowden will be invited to make a statement to the European Parliament where he will be answering our questions.

"These questions will be rigorous and fair and will touch on many of the issues most citizens would want to ask of the person who has been the source of the unprecedented historic set of allegations which have changed the landscape in relation to privacy, security, data protection and some aspects of the relationship between the EU and US.

"Among the questions I will ask Mr Snowden will be why he decided to reveal the information and the consequences and implications of his actions; questions around his current situation in Russia; questions around his opinion on the impact of his revelations on security, the intelligence services, and "the right to know"; and questions around his opinions of where his revelations and allegations take the area of mass surveillance in the future."

Snowden is due to give pre-recorded answers to questions posed by MEPs, with no opportunity for members to challenge his assertions or cross-examine him. His appearance before the parliament's 'NSA inquiry' could be as early as next week.

Last week, European Conservatives and Reformists Group spokesman on the inquiry Timothy Kirkhope MEP wrote to the President of the European Parliament arguing that the appearance would be "a provocative act that would enable him to further endanger public security". A discussion among lead MEPs on the inquiry yesterday led to them referring the matter to a meeting of the leaders of political groups – the Conference of Presidents. However, a vote in the Conference of Presidents today has referred the matter back to the lead MEPs in the committee.

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ECR Group Leader Martin Callanan said after today's meeting: "The president of the Parliament and other group leaders have refused to stop a wanted fugitive being given a free platform to further endanger public security. The committee of inquiry asked group leaders to make a decision and they ducked out of taking responsibility by passing the decision back to a lower level.

"If the parliament was so desperate to hear from Snowden, it could have done so in a private forum. It should not give a public, unchallenged platform for a wanted criminal and then claim to be conducting an impartial or credible inquiry. MEPs will have no opportunity to cross-examine him in a live discussion through fears for his security. But what about fears for public security? The parliament's priorities are dangerously warped."

Timothy Kirkhope, ECR justice and home affairs spokesman said: "The European Parliament's self-appointed inquiry into these allegations never wanted to ascertain facts. It has been a one-sided prejudiced talking shop for the left and far-left that has shouted down anybody who wants to approach these allegations with an open mind. We were willing to engage with the committee in a positive and constructive way. However, we will have no involvement in an inquiry that gives a platform to those whose actions, whatever their motives, have aided those who would do us serious harm. The fight against terrorism is an ongoing one and all of the security services have been quite clear that Snowden's actions have handed terrorists an advantage. We should not hand them more.

"With the decision now being made by the lead members on the committee, UK Labour MEP Claude Moraes still has the power to side with us and stop this provocative event from happening; or side with the far left and provide a free platform for Snowden. If he does the latter, he will have to be prepared to look his London constituents in the face and explain why he has granted this fugitive an open platform."

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