Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning ask Obama for clemency

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Friday, December 30, 2016, 4:15 PM

WASHINGTON - Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning have asked President Obama for clemency, though it's unlikely either one will receive a break.

The two high-profile leakers took government data and shared it publicly for what they believed to be patriotic reasons.

Marine Corps Gen. James Hoss Cartwright and ex-CIA officer John Kiriakou are also seeking clemency, according to Politico.

Manning is six years into a 35-year prison sentence a much longer term than any previous leakers convicted under the Espionage Act for giving WikiLeaks classified information relating to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Snowden is living in exile in Russia after releasing classified information that showed the U.S. government was involved in widespread data collection on American citizens, and faces espionage charges if he returns.

Chelsea Manning's petition surpasses 100,000 signatures

The Obama administration has shown no signs that either will get a pardon or offer of clemency. The President has cracked down on government leaks during his time in office, and following the Russian-backed hacks that disrupted the 2016 election, it appears even less likely that Obama will want to show leniency as he leaves office.

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Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning ask Obama for clemency