White House rejects petition to pardon Edward Snowden

The White House has rejected a petition that sought to pardon former NSA employee Edward Snowden, saying that his revelations about the US government's surveillance apparatus were "dangerous".

According to the Guardian, the Obama administration reiterated its belief that Snowden should face criminal charges for his actions.

Lisa Monaco, Obama's adviser on homeland security and counter-terrorism said that Snowden's decision to disclose information that is classified had harsh consequences on the US' security.

Monaco also urged Snowden to rather switch to engaging in a constructive act of protest if he thought that his actions were consistent with civil disobedience.

Snowden has been living in asylum in Moscow after fleeing the US for Hong Kong in the wake of the leaks.

The US government had filed espionage charges against Snowden shortly after his revelations were made public.