New testimony from National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden suggests the government has spied on leading human rights groups inside the United States. Appearing by video-link before the Council of Europe, Snowden said the NSA has “targeted either leaders or staff members … of civil and non-governmental organizations” within U.S. borders. Snowden did not specify which groups, but asked whether they include Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, he replied, “Yes, absolutely.” In his comments to European lawmakers, Snowden urged international action to rein in mass surveillance.

Edward Snowden: “The screening of trillions — and I mean that literally, trillions — of private communications for the vaguest indications of association, or some other nebulous, pre-criminal activity, is a violation of the human right to be free from unwarranted interference, to be secure in our communications and our private affairs, and it must be addressed.”