Solhjell: – The government must keep Snowden confident in Norway – Dagbladet.no

(Dagbladet): Tuesday, it became clear that Bjørnson Prize for 2015 awarded to Edward Snowden.

The award goes to someone who has made a special effort for freedom of speech and against political injustice, and Snowden on Tuesday also invited to Norway to accept the award personally.

an open letter asked Bjornson Academy while Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) and Justice Minister Anders Anundsen (FRP) to facilitate such a visit.

– Must guarantee the security

SV-deputy Bård Vegar Solhjell call Bjornson award a joyful and believes the government must now guarantee Snow Its safety in Norway.

– The Norwegian government must make clear that Snowden can come to Norway to accept the award as a confident man, and leave the country as a free man. It will be Bjornson spirit, whatever one may think about the Snowden has done, to respect this price, he says to Dagbladet.

The US government has revoked Snow Its passports, but there are legal in legislation to give foreigners the opportunity for entry into Norway without a passport in exceptional circumstances. The former CIA and NSA employee data technician has asylum in Moscow.

– That he should come here to receive an award, it’s easy. The question is whether he can be assured here, whether the authorities will protect him. I’m very excited, said Solhjell adding:

– I reckon that the justice minister will give Norwegian police and security authorities instructed to implement Cutlet automatic safety when Nobel Laureates and others come here if the visit takes place .

– It will sour our relationship with the United States?

– Clearly the US might react, but it’s a minor quibble compared with the importance of us deciding who should come here as a free man. It will be against Bjornson spirit if we do not facilitate that Snowden shall receive the award, said Solhjell.

Justisdepartentet: Treat as single issue

Prime Minister’s Office says it is the Ministry of Justice to comment on Solhjell initiatives .

– This is a matter that must be treated like any other individual cases, and it’s UDI technical authority, says Justice Minister Anders Anundsen Dagbladet.

Beyond the desire not Anundsen comment Solhjell desire an explicit guarantee of Snow Its safety under his eventual visit.

UDI did not want to comment on the case all.

Bjornson prize is awarded in Molde Saturday 5 September.