NSA whistleblower Snowden may seek asylum in Iceland

Iceland govt confirms request, but doesn't comment on its move

A middleman has reportedly used 'informal approach' to forward the request of seeking asylum in Iceland on behalf of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden.

According to the Guardian, WikiLeaks spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson said that he had received a message from Snowden asking him to forward his request of seeking asylum in Iceland to its government.

According to the report, Snowden had earlier stated Iceland being his choice of refuge due to the country's reputation for promoting Internet freedom.

However, Snowden did not immediately travel to Iceland fearing Washington putting pressure on it to extradite him.

Snowden has been in hiding in Hong Kong region for leaking US-led surveillance programme that snooped on its citizens' web activities and recorded phone calls.

Hrafnsson has reportedly approached two Iceland ministries but has not met any minister formally.

Meanwhile, the Icelandic government has confirmed that it has received a request from Hrafnsson but has denied commenting upon whether it will grant the asylum to Snowden, the report added.