Former CIA agent and NSA employee Edward Snowden , who leaked secret documents from the latter in 2013, has written a book in which he states the reasons that led him to these revelations, and it is expected to be released on September 17.
And while many books and films based on this story have been released so far, this one is special, as it was written by Snowden himself.
The book, titled “Permanent Record,” describes the story from his side and the reasons that led him to reveal the US government’s plans for mass global surveillance, including phone calls, messages and emails.
The book is set to be released in more than 20 countries by the UK-based publishing house Macmillan.
The publisher said the story will "travel" readers to a place where Snowden helps "create a system of mass surveillance and then experiences a crisis of conscience that leads him to change his mind and try to stop it.".
Meanwhile, Snowden posted a video on his Twitterannouncing his upcoming book. In the video, he also expresses regret for having once worked for the US government.
After fleeing Hong Kong in 2012, when he first revealed information about US government secrets to journalists, Edward Snowden now resides in Moscow, Russia, where he has been granted asylum by the country and currently holds a visa that allows him to remain in the country until 2020. The US government has of course been trying to extradite Snowden all this time, to try him for treason and violations of the Espionage.
“Edward Snowden decided at the age of 29 to give up his entire future for the good of his country,” said Macmillan CEO John Sargent. “He showed enormous courage in doing so, and whether some like it or not, his is an incredible American story.”.
