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Wikileaks' Spanish lawyer mulls helping 'IT spy'

AFP
AFP - [email protected]
Wikileaks' Spanish lawyer mulls helping 'IT spy'
IT contractor Edward Snowden is the target of a US arrest warrant after leaking details of US cyber-espionage programmes to the media. Photo: The Guardian/AFP

A renowned Spanish former human rights judge said on Monday he wants to take a good look at US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden's case before deciding if he will offer legal advice to the fugitive, who is wanted in the US for espionage.

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Baltasar Garzon, who drew international attention for trying to extradite Chile's former dictator Augusto Pinochet, is legal director of anti-secrecy group Wikileaks, which helped organize Snowden's exit from Hong Kong over the weekend.   

"I have been contacted on behalf of Mr.Snowden for legal advice. Before making a decision, I have asked to talk to the interested party and for the necessary information to understand the case," Garzon said in a statement.

"Once that is done I will make a decision. As of today I do not represent Mr. Snowden's interests," he added.

A Russian plane said to be carrying Snowden left Moscow for Cuba on Monday, a day after the fugitive arrived in Russia from Hong Kong.

The IT contractor is the target of a US arrest warrant issued on Friday after he leaked details of massive US cyber-espionage programmes to the media.

Garzon was in February 2012 disbarred from his role as an investigating magistrate in Spain after he was found to have wiretapped conversations between defence lawyers and their clients.

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