The U.S. government has chased whistleblower Edward Snowden and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange for years over allegations they disclosed private and sensitive information.
What Happened: Elon Musk polled on Saturday about pardoning Assange and Snowden. The survey was meant to fulfil a commitment, not offer an opinion, he said.
With five hours left, the poll has nearly three million votes. 80% voted to pardon Snowden and Assange.
Snowden responds: Quote-tweeting the poll, Snowden said he and Assange were charged under a legislation meant to hinder fair trials.
“Defendants are precluded from launching a public interest defence, juries prevented from hearing it,” he continued.
Assange, an Australian writer and publisher, is in a London prison fighting extradition to the U.S., while Snowden, who fled to Russia, was granted citizenship.