Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon says his legal team won’t represent NSA leaker Edward Snowden

[ProSense]

Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon says his legal team won’t represent NSA leaker Edward Snowden

By Associated Press

MADRID — Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon says he won’t represent fugitive National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden.

In a statement Wednesday, Garzon said his legal firm had decided not to take on Snowden’s case but gave no explanation.

Snowden, who is charged with violating American espionage laws, is said to be in the transit zone of a Moscow airport. He has asked for asylum from Ecuador.

Snowden sought legal help from Garzon, who represents WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

- more -

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/spanish-judge-baltasar-garzon-says-his-legal-team-wont-represent-nsa-leaker-edward-snowden/2013/06/26/80aedf3e-de59-11e2-a33d-86217a564f01_story.html

[flamingdem]

1. It seems like Wikileaks is in a pickle

Ecuador won't take on Snowden, Iceland apparently has strict rules regarding asylum, other countries don't want to damage relations with the US, and Venezuela is seen as symbolically negative for the freedom of information movement.

Also, it appears that the revoking of Snowden's passport another can of worms was opened that even Wikileaks can't finagle.

I'm most curious as to why Venezuela might not work out. They seem to be the best match and there are direct flights from Moscow. To their credit they have worked on having very transparent democratic elections.

[OilemFirchen]

2. Who (among the rational) didn't see THAT coming?

[flamingdem]

3. Snowden's loss of options?

Or Venezuela stepping up to the plate?

[flamingdem]

4. Aha, Garzon is the legal head of Wikileaks, didn't realize that

* Snowden is not getting the crucial support from Wikileaks that he asked for

WikiLeaks' Baltasar Garzón, the man Edward Snowden wants on his side



Best known as the superjudge who ordered the arrest of General Pinochet, the crusading legal head of WikiLeaks has been approached by the NSA whistleblower to represent him

We are not familiar with the superstar judge in Britain. Our adversarial model of justice, in which evidence is gathered by the police and evaluated at trial by a supposedly neutral judge, pretty much precludes it. But in much of Europe, and wherever else in the world the inquisitorial system prevails, it is an independent prosecutor or examining magistrate who directs investigations, seeks out evidence, and interviews all concerned.

It is a role that can, when handled astutely, present the determined, charismatic and above all publicity-savvy jurist with a satisfyingly large stage on which to display their talents – and some do not shy from the opportunity.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/shortcuts/2013/jun/25/wikileaks-baltasar-garzon-edward-snowden

[randome]

14. That pic reminds me of this guy.

[hr]
[font color="blue"][center]I'm always right. When I'm wrong I admit it.
So then I'm right about being wrong.[/center][/font]
[hr]

[Scurrilous]

5. Thanks!

K & R

[Whisp]

6. kick

[uponit7771]

7. +1

[SidDithers]

8. DU rec...nt

Sid

[railsback]

9. The explanation should be self explanatory:

There is no there there.

Expecting to see him soon.. in shackles.

[flamingdem]

10. what about the Libertarian Retraining camp in Venezuela

?

He might rather be in a US jail!

[railsback]

11. LoL!

[JI7]

12. Obama must have threatened to kill him with a drone

[Number23]

13. Damn.

Snowden sought legal help from Garzon, who represents WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Just... damn.

[msanthrope]

15. No shit...curiouser and curiouser. nt

[Cha]

16. But, it would be such good PR! thanks ProSense..

I cannot keep up with all the breaking news!

thanks for helping to keep us informed!

[Kolesar]

17. & his theatrical-legal-advisor Glenn Greenwald cannot represent him either ... eom