The initial plan was to go to South America. If he would end up in some west "democratic" country he would be in prison like Assange or Manning (or worse).

This is the "thank you" which whistle blowers get for speaking the truth and improving everybody's privacy as a consequence. Meanwhile the people who lied about spying on people in front of the congress still sit in their comfy chairs (Clapper, etc.). 🙅‍♀️

I admire people who risk everything for moral values and other people but have nothing to gain.