The officials said they expect Snowden's supporters to use the Thursday release of "Snowden" - directed by veteran filmmaker Oliver Stone - to mount a public campaign demanding a pardon before Obama leaves office in January. They argue that Snowden performed a public service by exposing excessive and intrusive electronic spying by the intelligence agency and its English-speaking allies, including Britain's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Monday that Snowden is charged with "serious crimes, and it's the policy of the administration that Mr. Snowden should return to the United States and face those charges." Two other U.S. officials said there are no discussions inside the Justice Department about granting him a pardon. Other officials, however, say the material Snowden gave the media included sensitive details about the locations and operations of U.S. and allied global spying operations, some of which were compromised.

Source: The Star September 13, 2016 21:22 UTC