Don't know how separated the German judiciary is from its government, which seems contradictory on its position, but for Snowden to accept some sort of German judicial protection would be on hell of a gamble. Could be a great solution, but could also result in a one way ticket to the US. At least Germany has a reasonable and comparatively open political and legal system, which doesn't rely on politics and cash in the bank.
On the face of it, if the Germans did go this way, in the way suggested, I think I'd take it. But Im willing to bet nothing is quite that simple, or likely.
New Zealand would have been a fair option, they have pretty anti-US sentiment historically and that has been recently fanned by the MAFIAA's raid on Mr. Dotcom's house.
They also have a very cozy intelligence relationship with the US government and, along with the UK, Canada and Australia, are in fact classed as a "2nd party partner" by the United States. [1]
New Zealand doesn't have an anti-US sentiment. And seriously people need to stop with this "historically X" nonsense. Diplomatic relations between countries can and do change on a dime.
It's only irrelevant if you capitulate that democracy has failed and is non-representative (ie. protests and other public action would not alter the outcome). While I am somewhat inclined to that perspective myself, it's important not to be completely defeatist, and I think New Zealand is doing relatively well in that department.
Oh come on, you didn't have to create a temp account for that. This is one of the reason why I am coming to hn - to learn something that goes far beyond the realm of regular discussions.
Speaking of courts, I have been wondering about another legal angle. What happens to someone that commits a crime in the transit area? What would happen if Snowden punched someone? Would they be escorted out of the transit area or do transit areas have detention centers for criminals (crimes against the local laws)? Can they be tried in court and imprisoned? Can someone commit a misdemeanor, got to jail for a small amount of time, and then be escorted to the border?
On the face of it, if the Germans did go this way, in the way suggested, I think I'd take it. But Im willing to bet nothing is quite that simple, or likely.