Edward Snowden: Whistleblower. Exile. Rector?
NSA whistleblower nominated as rector for Glasgow University.
Edward Snowden, the US National Security Agency (NSA) contractor turned intelligence whistleblower, plans to seek the post of student rector at Glasgow University.
The rector serves for a period of three years as an elected representative for students. Mr Snowden’s nomination was arranged by his lawyer and a group of students.
One of the students who arranged Mr Snowden’s nomination said: “Edward Snowden’s candidacy is a unique opportunity to show our gratitude to a brave whistleblower.
“He has shown a spirit of daring and self-sacrifice that is virtually absent in our public life.
“We call on Glasgow University students as individuals, and all student bodies committed to ending state intrusion into our private lives, to declare their support for Edward Snowden’s candidacy.”
After revealing extensive internet and phone surveillance by US intelligence, Mr Snowden was forced to the US. He has been granted asylum by Russia.
Other candidates are cyclist Graeme Obree, author Alan Bissett, and Scottish Episcopal clergyman Kelvin Holdsworth. Glasgow University say that all candidates have personally consented to their nomination.
Previous rectors include Winnie Mandela and Mordechai Vanunu. The position is currently held by former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy.
The election will take place next month.