The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and its International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka will hold a meeting in Colombo to defend Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who has exposed the vast spying operations of the American intelligence agencies. The meeting is a part of the campaign launched by the World Socialist W eb Site and the SEP’s sister parties internationally.

Former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Snowden has become the target of a global US dragnet. His only “crime” is to expose the NSA’s massive and illegal electronic surveillance of the people in the US and around the world. This involves the systematic monitoring and storage of phone calls, emails and other electronic communication and Internet activities.

Snowden is in grave danger for his courageous actions. The Obama administration, backed by the US Congress and the media, has charged him with espionage and revoked his passport. He is now trapped in a Moscow airport and is seeking political asylum. The US is doing everything possible to silence him, both to prevent him making further leaks and to intimidate others from following his example.

Workers and youth in Sri Lanka have a responsibility to come to the defence of Edward Snowden, as well as Bradley Manning and Julian Assange, who have similarly exposed the criminal activities of US imperialism. His defence is inseparable from the struggle that must be waged against the escalating attacks on democratic rights in Sri Lanka and internationally. We call on workers, youth and anyone concerned about defending democratic rights to attend this vital meeting.

Meeting venue: Public Library Auditorium, Colombo 7.

Date and time: Friday, July 12 at 4 p.m.