Two Norwegian lawmakers nominate Snowden for Nobel Peace Prize

OSLO, Norway, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Two Norwegian lawmakers have nominated U.S. secrets-leaker Edward Snowden for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying his actions changed the debate on surveillance.

Bard Vegard Solhjell and Snorre Valen said they believe their nominating Snowden for the prize won't create too much diplomatic friction with the United States, unless he wins, Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported Wednesday.

"The public debate and the political changes that have followed [Snowden's leaks] have contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order," the two wrote in nominating Snowden.

Snowden, 30, has been living in Russia since the summer, when he was granted temporary asylum after he leaked U.S. state secrets on National Security Agency intelligence-gathering and revealed operational details of a global NSA-run surveillance apparatus targeting millions of people. He has been charged in the United States with violating the Espionage Act and theft of government property.

The deadline to nominate candidates for the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for 2014 is Feb. 1. The Nobel Committee announces the winner in October.