Fugitive former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden told human rights activists and lawyers on July 12 that he is seeking temporary asylum in Russia until he can travel to South America. Snowden made the comments at a meeting in the transit area of Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport. Human Rights Watch Deputy Director Tatiana Lokshina said Snowden had asked the organizations at the meeting to intervene to keep the United States and the EU from impeding his movement. (Reuters)