Erstellt am: 24. 6. 2013 - 14:29 Uhr

Desperately seeking Snowden

Reality Check: intelligence implications of Ed Snowden leaks, Brazil protests, Vienna +20, Hans Hass obituary, Croatia joining the EU.

Surveillance systems leaker, Edward Snowden, seems to be leading the US authorities a merry dance, but they aren't really doing much to help themselves.

An attempt to extradite Snowden from Hong Kong at the weekend failed because the paperwork had not been completed correctly by the US. You'd think that when they are going after such a big target, they would make sure they fill in the forms properly, but there you go. One thing they did manage to get right was revoking his US passport - but that didn't stop Snowden from flying out of Hong Kong and going to Moscow. There, he made contact with the Ecuadorian embassy, and is expected to apply for asylum there.

EPA/SERGEI ILNITSKY

Russian sources say Snowden is believed to have left Moscow, but its unclear where he might be heading.

However, the rumour mill is heading for meltdown as people speculate about what might really happen next. Snowden was scheduled to leave Moscow for Cuba early this afternoon, but according to the Russian national carrier, Aeroflot, the flight left without him, and his seat he had booked was taken by someone else. Newsroom gossip says the flight was full of journalists - and although this has not been confirmed, it's certain that reporters will be tracking his every move, and very likely that at least some were on the flight to Cuba.

In fact, the probability is that the only person who knows what his plans are is Snowden himself, but the US is unlikely to give up the chase. Not only has he side-stepped the system, he has caused serious embarrassment for the US authorities and escalated the existing diplomatic tensions with both Russia and China.

Espionage expert, Nigel West, explains why the US is so desperate to catch him, and what his revelations mean for security agencies around the world.

Brazil's protest movement

Although the street protests are quietening down, the undercurrent of dissatisfaction is as strong as ever. Vienna-based Brazilian singer, DJ and producer, Joyce Muniz, gives her personal views on the latest developments and the issues at stake.

Vienna +20

It's 20 years since Vienna's landmark human rights conference. Flavio Valente of FIAN International tells Gennie Johnson what has been achieved so far.

Croatia and the EU

With one week to go before Croatia enters the EU, Chris Cummins finds out how young Croatians feel about becoming part of the bloc.

APA-FOTO: HERBERT NEUBAUER

Hans Hass obit

Riem Higazi looks back at the life of the diving and underwater research pioneer, Hans Hass, who died last week at the age of 94.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.