Former National Security Agency contractor of United States Edward Snowden is reaching out to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron to grant him asylum. Snowden, currently living in Russia had 'leaked' classified documents that disclosed the government's secret surveilling programs in June 2013. Reportedly, the 29-year old downloaded up to 1.5 million files before leaving the US to flying to Hong Kong. Edward hasn't gone back to his home since then. In an interview, he also admitted that he would love to go to the United States if he gets a fair trial. 

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Does France support?

Reportedly the French Justice Minister, Nicole Belloubet said that she supported Snowden's demand for granting asylum in the country. However, she also made it clear that she made that statement in a personal capacity and it can not be considered as an official offer. Snowden mentioned in an interview that he had applied for asylum in France in 2013 as well under the former French President, Hollande Francois and he would love to get an invitation from France under the present leader. He also said that it's not about the country that provides the asylum, it's about the world and the system that the world has. Snowden also mentions that protecting whistleblowers shall not be considered as a hostile act. Evidently Edward further says if a country welcomes him, it is not an attack on the United States.

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Snowden's memoir

Since 2013, the former National Security Agency contractor has been living in Russia as the United States officials want to present him to stand trial for infiltration of information. Edward Snowden has been private about his life, but he will publish his memoir called 'Permanent Record' on September 17. It will be released in nearly 20 countries, including France. The memoir is considered to have additional information about his journey of revealing the secret surveillance programs by the intelligence agencies in the United States. As opposed to Edward's home country, the US, many civil rights activists see him as a hero. The Whistleblower also believes that as much as he would love to go back home, he is sure about the fact that he won't be subjected to a fair trial. The data that was leaked by him, included the numbers, phone calls, emails and internet activity of American citizens on the name of national security. The US officials believe that his disclosures have caused a huge damage to national security. Snowden's memoir will be the first time he will speak about his life in exile in Russia. The security agent now identifies himself as an advocate for privacy. 

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