Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

Guardian whistle-blower Edward Snowden offers to help Brazil investigate US spying in return for asylum

By Darren Boyle

Guardian whistle-blower Edward Snowden has offered to help the Brazilian government investigate claims of US spying on their citizens if the South American country offers him political asylum.

Ex- National Security Agency worker Snowden is currently in Russia.

According to a report by the Associated Press, Snowden has written an open letter to a Brazilian newspaper offering his assistance.

Brazilian politicians areinterested in talking to Snowden after he revealed the widespread hacking of transatlantic fibre-optic cables leaving the South American country by the NSA.

He said in the letter: "I've expressed my willingness to assist where it's appropriate and legal but, unfortunately, the US government has been working hard to limit my ability to do so.

"Until a country grants me permanent political asylum, the US government will continue to interfere with my ability to speak out."

Snowden’s main media contact Glenn Greenwald lives in Brazil.

Meanwhile, a US district judge has ruled that the bulk collection of American telephone records by the NSA is probably unconstitutional as it contravenes rules outlawing unreasonable searches.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Websites in our network