[dTal]

>He would have had the chance to go to trial and defend himself and seek whistleblower protection status

No, he wouldn't. Google "snowden fair trial". He has always said that he is perfectly willing to come to the US and do exactly as you describe, if the government is willing to guarantee a fair trial. It isn't.

Go on, Google "snowden fair trial". Go do it. It's a key part of the story you're apparently unaware of. It'll take 5 seconds.

Sibling comment pointing out same: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37401553

[mike_d]

Trump makes the same claims every time he is caught doing something.

Implying there is some sort of kangaroo court cabal out to get you is a deflection tactic that you seem to have fallen for.

If the American system is so corrupt that we ignore our own rules, why didn't the CIA just black bag him and bring him back? Or kill him outright? Both would be easier and more effective than a show trial.