Fort Greene Park’s Edward Snowden statue was apparently installed secretly over a Brooklyn war monument. The artists claim they did not mean any disrespect to the American POWs of the Revolutionary War, but instead intended the Snowden statue as an “update” that highlights the NSA spying program.
In a related report by the Inquisitr , the new bust of the NSA whistleblower appeared at the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Fort Greene Park. It’s estimated to weigh about 100 pounds and was probably pretty expensive. Some say the Edward Snowden statue is appropriate since “fans would call him a hero in the war against privacy violations.”
The artists who created Fort Greene Park’s Edward Snowden statue would agree with that sentiment, and they explained why they chose the specific spot for its location.
“Fort Greene’s Prison Ship Martyrs Monument is a memorial to American POWs who lost their lives during the Revolutionary War,” the artists said to Animal . “We have updated this monument to highlight those who sacrifice their safety in the fight against modern-day tyrannies. It would be a dishonor to those memorialized here to not laud those who protect the ideals they fought for, as Edward Snowden has by bringing the NSA’s 4th-Amendment-violating surveillance programs to light. All too often, figures who strive to uphold these ideals have been cast as criminals rather than in bronze. Our goal is to bring a renewed vitality to the space and prompt even more visitors to ponder the sacrifices made for their freedoms. We hope this inspires them to reflect upon the responsibility we all bear to ensure our liberties exist long into the future.”
Authorities disagreed since they immediately covered the Edward Snowden statue when it was noticed. The parks department said that “the erection of any unapproved structure or artwork in a city park is illegal.” The artists acknowledge their statue was an act of civil disobedience but also claim that sometimes fighting for freedom requires breaking the law.
“If you look at history, the people we honor with statues now — certainly the people rebelling against the British rules — were criminals one day,” the artists told Mashable . “Now they’re heroes. We’re wondering if on the long arc of time Snowden will be considered a hero, too.”
Authorities had difficulty removing Fort Greene Park’s Edward Snowden statue since an adhesive was used to attach the base to the existing Brooklyn monument. Ironically, authorities have had a difficult time removing Snowden himself from the public eye since he continues to allude the U.S. federal government and continues to speak about American liberty.