The Claim
“Called Edward Snowden a traitor.”
Original Sources Provided
✅ FACTUAL VERIFICATION
TRUE. Prime Minister Tony Abbott did call Edward Snowden a "traitor" in a radio interview on January 29, 2014 [1]. According to the Sydney Morning Herald and ABC News reports, Abbott stated: "This gentleman Snowden, or this individual Snowden, who has betrayed his country and in the process has badly, badly damaged other countries that are friends of the United States" [1][2].
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop used even stronger language days earlier, accusing Snowden of "unprecedented treachery" during a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC on January 22, 2014 [3][4]. Bishop stated: "Snowden continues to shamefully betray his nation while skulking in Russia. This represents unprecedented treachery. He is no hero" [3][4].
The timing of these comments was significant - they came after Snowden's leaks revealed Australian intelligence had spied on Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his wife, and his inner circle, causing a major diplomatic rift between Australia and Indonesia [4][5].
Missing Context
The claim provides no context for why the Coalition government made these statements. The Abbott government's harsh rhetoric came in response to:
A diplomatic crisis: Snowden's leaks exposed that Australian intelligence had monitored Indonesian officials' phones in 2009, which caused Indonesia to recall its ambassador and suspend military and immigration cooperation with Australia [4][5].
Five Eyes alliance obligations: Australia is part of the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand). All member governments viewed Snowden's leaks negatively as they threatened the entire intelligence-sharing network [1][2].
Coordinated international response: The Abbott government's statements came as part of a coordinated campaign following President Obama's January 17, 2014 speech defending US intelligence operations. Other Five Eyes governments made similar statements [1].
National security framing: The government justified its position by arguing that intelligence cooperation "saves lives" and is essential for national security [3][4]. Bishop emphasized that "our intelligence activities are about our national security, our national interest and protecting the safety and security of our citizens" [4].
Source Credibility Assessment
The original source, World Socialist Web Site (WSWS), requires scrutiny:
- WSWS is the online publication of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), a Trotskyist/socialist organization [1]
- The ICFI is affiliated with the Socialist Equality Parties internationally
- The article describes Abbott's remarks as part of a "McCarthy-style attack" and refers to "US imperialism," indicating a clear ideological framing [1]
- While the basic facts reported (Abbott calling Snowden a traitor) are accurate and corroborated by mainstream sources, the article's characterization is highly critical of the Coalition government
Verdict: The source is ideologically aligned with the left and presents information through a socialist/anti-imperialist lens. However, the core factual claim is accurate and independently verified by ABC News, SBS News, and Associated Press [2][3][4].
Labor Comparison
Did Labor do something similar?
The Labor government (under Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, 2007-2013) was also part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and maintained close intelligence cooperation with the United States. However, Edward Snowden's major leaks occurred in June 2013, just months before the September 2013 election that brought the Coalition to power.
Key comparisons:
Intelligence cooperation continuity: Both Labor and Coalition governments have maintained Australia's participation in the Five Eyes alliance and intelligence sharing with the US. This is bipartisan policy that spans decades [4][5].
Timing factor: Labor did not face the specific diplomatic crisis caused by the Indonesia spying revelations during their time in office (these came to light via Snowden leaks in November 2013, after Labor had lost power).
Historical precedent: Previous Australian governments of both parties have condemned intelligence leakers. For example, the Gillard government prosecuted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and condemned his activities.
Conclusion: While there is no direct equivalent of Labor calling Snowden a traitor (due to timing), the underlying policy position on intelligence cooperation and viewing unauthorized leaks as harmful to national security is consistent across both major parties. Had Labor been in power during the Indonesia spying revelations, they would likely have faced similar diplomatic pressures and may have used similar language.
Balanced Perspective
The Coalition government's characterization of Snowden as a "traitor" was harsh but occurred in a specific context that the claim omits:
Criticisms of the government's stance:
- The language was unusually strong - even other Five Eyes governments did not use terms like "traitor" publicly [1]
- The comments appeared to be part of a broader attack on the ABC for reporting the Snowden leaks, with Abbott demanding the national broadcaster show "basic affection for our home team" [1][2]
- Critics argued the government was attempting to intimidate journalists and whistleblowers rather than address legitimate concerns about surveillance overreach
Government's justification:
- The leaks had caused significant damage to Australia's relationship with Indonesia, a key regional partner [4][5]
- The government argued that intelligence cooperation with the US is vital for Australia's national security and "saves lives" [4]
- They maintained that Snowden's actions were illegal and represented a breach of trust as a government contractor with security clearance [3][4]
- The Five Eyes alliance is a long-standing bipartisan policy that both Labor and Coalition governments have supported
International context:
- All Five Eyes member nations (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ) condemned Snowden's leaks
- The Obama administration charged Snowden with theft of government property and unauthorized release of classified information [1]
- Snowden fled to Russia, which granted him asylum, further complicating his status as a whistleblower versus fugitive
TRUE
7.0
out of 10
The claim is factually accurate. Both Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop made statements calling Edward Snowden a "traitor" and accusing him of "treachery" in January 2014 [1][2][3][4].
However, the claim lacks critical context. The statements were made in response to a specific diplomatic crisis caused by Snowden's leaks revealing Australian spying on Indonesian officials [4][5]. The government's position was consistent with the broader Five Eyes alliance's response to Snowden, and the underlying policy of intelligence cooperation with the US has been bipartisan across both Labor and Coalition governments. The characterization of Snowden as a "traitor" was unusually harsh compared to other governments, but it was not without justification from a national security perspective [1][3].
Final Score
7.0
OUT OF 10
TRUE
The claim is factually accurate. Both Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop made statements calling Edward Snowden a "traitor" and accusing him of "treachery" in January 2014 [1][2][3][4].
However, the claim lacks critical context. The statements were made in response to a specific diplomatic crisis caused by Snowden's leaks revealing Australian spying on Indonesian officials [4][5]. The government's position was consistent with the broader Five Eyes alliance's response to Snowden, and the underlying policy of intelligence cooperation with the US has been bipartisan across both Labor and Coalition governments. The characterization of Snowden as a "traitor" was unusually harsh compared to other governments, but it was not without justification from a national security perspective [1][3].
📚 SOURCES & CITATIONS (5)
-
1
wsws.org
Tony Abbott’s accusations against Snowden were made in the course of a McCarthy-style attack on the ABC.
World Socialist Web Site -
2
insidestory.org.au
There’s a worrying thread running through decisionmaking in Canberra, writes Rodney Tiffen
Inside Story -
3
sbs.com.au
Julie Bishop has slammed Edward Snowden in a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in the US.
SBS News -
4
abc.net.au
Julie Bishop lashes Edward Snowden in a major speech talking up Australia's "vital" intelligence operations with the US.
Abc Net -
5
scmp.com
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop mounts a robust defence of intelligence work during a speech to a Washington think tank and attacks Edward Snowden for betraying the US
South China Morning Post
Rating Scale Methodology
1-3: FALSE
Factually incorrect or malicious fabrication.
4-6: PARTIAL
Some truth but context is missing or skewed.
7-9: MOSTLY TRUE
Minor technicalities or phrasing issues.
10: ACCURATE
Perfectly verified and contextually fair.
Methodology: Ratings are determined through cross-referencing official government records, independent fact-checking organizations, and primary source documents.