STRASBOURG, France

The European Parliament has urged member states to drop criminal charges against U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden and called on the EU Commission to provide better protection for citizens against mass surveillance.

MEPs passed a resolution demanding EU member states "drop any criminal charges against Edward Snowden, grant him protection and consequently prevent extradition or rendition by third parties, in recognition of his status as whistleblower and international human rights defender."

Snowden reacted to the vote by tweeting: "Hearing reports EU just voted 285-281, overcoming huge pressure, to cancel all charges against me and prevent extradition. Game-changer."