Asylum in Germany for Snowden? – Limited Liability

A look into the Basic Law might be helpful. Article 16 says, “Persons persecuted on political grounds shall have the right of asylum.” The constitution then goes on to specify some conditions.

But the core statement remains. So the courts will check his activities — that is, if Snowden is actually serious about his German asylum application. Doubts about that are permitted.

Despite all the criticism of the conditions in America and the systematic devaluation of human rights driven by the U.S., for example in Guantanamo Bay prison, President Barack Obama is not really heading a dictatorship. In America there are plebiscites and local referendums.

But one thing is also sure: The U.S. is no longer a perfect democracy. The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 are no excuse for spy actions of epoch proportions. At least in a moral sense, Snowden did the right thing. The problem is that Washington’s arm is too long.

Regardless of which country takes him in, he must constantly protect himself from attacks by U.S. intelligence agencies. Polls within the U.S. are asking the government in Washington if it might put an end to Snowden’s activities, with violence if necessary.

The debate that has flared up in Berlin as to whether or not the “whistleblower” can seek asylum in Germany is heavily colored by the election campaign. The fact remains that in Germany, courts decide how the constitution is interpreted. They do not offer complete protection.