The Guardian is reporting on a draft report produced by the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe which argues that the mass surveillance programs exposed by Edward Snowden may violate European laws and conventions on the right to privacy, freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial. The report is quoted as saying “these rights are cornerstones of democracy. Their infringement without adequate judicial control jeopardises the rule of law.” The assembly will debate the report later this week, and while the assembly’s recommendations are not binding on any of the Council of Europe’s members, in the past, the assembly’s findings have had a persuasive impact upon the European court of human rights.