Right Livelihood Award: 2014 – Edward Snowden
rightlivelihood.orgCarl Bildt (The Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs) did not allow the prize ceremony to be held at its regular place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building. The stated reason is that he disapproves of Snowden's actions.
http://www.thelocal.se/20140924/row-as-snowden-wins-swedish-...
Does fit into the picture. It seems (and I heard that lately) that Sweden is well known for its attendance to the wishes of the US gvnmt.
"Often an Honorary Award is given to a person or group whose work the Jury wishes to recognise but who is not primarily in need of monetary support. The prize money is for ongoing successful work, never for personal use."
Falls pretty short of what the Nobel gives.
"It has become widely known as the 'Alternative Nobel Prize'"
So basically they just co-opted the name.
Although giving, for example, Bill Gates $100000 is redundant. That's pocket change for him.
Edit: although I see now that Snowden has been made honorary recipient. Not sure why he wouldn't need the money though.