Whistleblower
RT: National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden has been nominated for the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, thanks to two Norwegian lawmakers. Baard Vegard Solhjell and Snorre Valen cited the public debate and policy changes brought about by the NSA leaks, saying Snowden “has contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order.” In the meantime, US Attorney General Eric Holder was on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, where he testified in front of the Senate Judiciary. Senators questioned Holder on Snowden’s revelations about the NSA’s controversial surveillance programs. RT’s Liz Wahl updates us on the hearing and the latest leaks about the secretive spy agency.

Chelsea Manning (formerly Bradley Manning), the former US Army intelligence analyst who was found guilty of releasing the largest set of classified documents in US history, will be honored in absentia for her role in exposing the dark nature of civilian casualties in Iraq. Manning, who is currently incarcerated at Leavenworth Prison, will be recognized at a ceremony in absentia at Oxford University’s prestigious Oxford Union Society “for casting much-needed daylight on the true toll and cause of civilian casualties in Iraq; human rights abuses by U.S. and “coalition” forces, mercenaries, and contractors; and the roles that spying and bribery play in international diplomacy,” according to the press release, published by activist and author David Swanson.