Edward Snowden Wins Role at U.K. University

Leaker elected to ceremonial position of rector at Glasgow University in Scotland in "significant statement" regarding "democratic rights"

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Jason Lee / Reuters

A picture of Edward Snowden, a former contractor at the National Security Agency, is seen on a computer screen displaying a page of a Chinese news website

NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden has been elected rector of Glasgow University in Scotland, a ceremonial position that lasts for three years — but, luckily, doesn’t require any personal appearances.

The 30-year-old fugitive, who currently resides in Moscow while his Russian asylum application is processed, received just over half of the 6,560 votes cast in the second ballot round, reports the Scotsman.

According to Chris Cassells, the 27-year-old doctoral student who coordinated Snowden’s campaign, the American’s New York–based legal team only confirmed his participation on the eve of the nomination deadline.

“We have a proud and virtuous tradition of making significant statements through our rectors, and today we have once more championed this idea by proving to the world that we are not apathetic to important issues such as democratic rights,” said Cassells.

[Scotsman]