European rights watchdog queries UK on Snowden affair

EUObserver reported that Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland wrote to the United Kingdom government in August 2013 seeking an explanation of its recent actions in the US snooping scandal, exposed by former security official Edward Snowden.

Jagland asked how its actions were compatible with Britain's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

European Commission vice-president Viviane Reding in a tweet posted on the 22 August 2013, said: 'I fully share Mr Jagland's concerns'.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 22.08.13: Council of Europe asks UK to explain intimidation against the Guardian http://www.euractiv.com/uk-europe/council-europe-asks-uk-explain-i-news-529915

ESO: Background Information: Attacks from America: NSA Spied on European Union Offices http://www.europeansources.info/record/attacks-from-america-nsa-spied-on-european-union-offices/

Council of Europe: Text of letter from Council of Europe Secretary General http://hub.coe.int/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=199f9b57-954d-44aa-84ee-4ab758139da6&groupId=10227

The Guardian: Tag: David Miranda http://www.theguardian.com/world/david-miranda

Deutsche Welle, 21.08.13: Criticism as Britain pressures Guardian to ditch Snowden files http://dw.de/p/19UEf

France24, 20.08.13: Journalist’s partner suing UK over Heathrow detention http://www.france24.com/en/20130820-uk-guardian-editor-alan-rusbriudger-says-british-government-destroyed-edward-snowden-nsa-surveillance-material

Public Service Europe, 22.08.13: Council of Europe warns UK of 'chilling effect' on journalism http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/3980/council-of-europe-warns-uk-of-chilling-effect-on-journalism

BBC News, 22.08.13: David Miranda: High Court restricts inspection of data http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23790578

EurActiv, 20.08.13: UK requests destruction of sensitive Snowden files, EU silent http://www.euractiv.com/uk-europe/uk-authorities-destroy-sensitive-news-529874

Aftenposten / The Observer / Dagens Nyheter, 26.08.13: Scandinavian media defends press freedom (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/4087041-scandinavian-media-defends-press-freedom

---