Apples and oranges. Snowden was an internationally (or most nations) wanted man, and had trouble moving. He knew he was targeted and any plane he'd use will be

Apples and oranges. Snowden was an internationally (or most nations) wanted man, and had trouble moving. He knew he was targeted and any plane he'd use will be targeted. On the other hand, this hijacking probably took everyone off-guard. They also didn't divert the plane because of a wanted individual but they made up a fake reason. This is piracy/hijacking plain and simple.