In this image made from video released by WikiLeaks on Oct. 11, 2013, former National Security Agency systems analyst Edward Snowden speaks during an awards ceremony in Moscow. Snowden was awarded the Sam Adams Award, according to videos released by WikiLeaks.(Photo: AP)
[h=3]Story Highlights[/h]
- Snowden writes open letter to 'people of Brazil'
- Says he wants asylum in return for technical help
- Letter was published online in the 'Folha' newspaper
Edward Snowden has written an "open letter to the people of Brazil" offering to assist Brazil's government investigate allegations of U.S. spying, but on the condition that the South American nation grant him political asylum.
The letter was published Tuesday in Brazil's Folha newspaper.
"I've expressed my willingness to assist where it's appropriate and legal, but, unfortunately, the U.S. government has been working hard to limit my ability to do so," the letter says.
The letter was made available on the newspaper's website in Portuguese. USA TODAY read a version of the letter using online translation software.
"Until a country grants me permanent political asylum, the U.S. government will continue to interfere with my ability to speak out," Snowden adds.
He says that, "Many Brazilian senators agree and asked me to help their investigations into suspected crimes against Brazilian citizens."
On Monday. Snowden said he felt vindicated by a federal judge's ruling that the collection of data by the National Security Agency was most likely unconstitutional.
"Today, a secret program authorized by a secret court was, when exposed to the light of day, found to violate Americans' rights. It is the first of many," the former NSA contractor said in a statement.
EDWARD SNOWDEN: Ruling vindicates leak of NSA files
