US Department of Justice sues Snowden over new book

(Patria) – The US Department of Justice has sued former employee and contractor Edward Snowden over the publication of his new book 'Permanent Record', citing 'breach of non-disclosure agreements he signed with the CIA and NSA'.

In a press release from the Department of Justice, it is stated that Snowden published the book without first submitting it to the agencies for review and authorization prior to publication, thereby violating the agreements he signed.

It is also stated that the goal is not to stop the publication of the book but to recover the proceeds Snowden will receive from the sale of the book.

Snowden is represented by Ben Wizner, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, who claims the lawsuit is unfounded because 'the book contains no government secrets that have not previously been published by reputable media', Wizner said, adding that Snowden would have submitted the book to the government before publication if he could have been certain that the book would be reviewed in 'good faith'.

Snowden has lived in Russia since 2013 after revealing details of a secret surveillance program by US intelligence agencies.

He is wanted in the US for espionage.