50% of Hong Kongers Say Snowden Should Stay

Hundreds rally to support whistleblower in Hong Kong streets
By Ruth Brown,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 15, 2013 3:13 PM CDT
50% of Hong Kongers Say Snowden Should Stay
A supporter holds picture of Edward Snowden during a protest outside the Consulate General of the United States in Hong Kong.   (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Hundreds gathered at a rally in Hong Kong today chanting "protect free speech—protect Snowden" and urging the government not to extradite the NSA whistleblower back to the US, reports the Guardian. The protest comes two days after Snowden told local media that the NSA has been hacking China since 2009. "It's unlawful, unjustified and unscrupulous," said a Hong Kong politician at the rally. "We demand the whole truth be disclosed by the US administration, an unconditional apology from Obama and an assurance this interference will stop."

A poll commissioned by the South China Morning Post has found only 17.6% of Hong Kong people believe Snowden should be extradited, while 50% oppose the move. The poll also found 33% believe he is a "hero." Meanwhile, sources tell the Post that the US is yet to make any requests with Hong Kong over Snowden, and rejects claims that US and Hong Kong government lawyers have been working together. (More Hong Kong stories.)

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