National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden has been granted asylum for one year in Russia, his lawyer said Thursday.
Anatoly Kucherena said that Snowden’s whereabouts will be kept secret for security reasons. The former NSA systems analyst was stuck at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport since his arrival from Hong Kong on June 23.
“He now is one of the most sought after men in the world,” Kucherena told reporters at the airport. “The issue of security is very important for him.”
The U.S. made demands to Russia to send Snowden home to face prosecution for espionage, but President Vladimir Putin has dismissed their request.
President Putin says the only way Snowden could receive asylum in Russia is if he stops leaking U.S. secrets. Snowden has agreed to the conditions.
Snowden, who revealed details of a U.S. intelligence program to monitor Internet activity, has received offers of asylum from Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia and said he would like to visit those countries. However, the logistics of reaching any of those countries are complicated because his U.S. passport has been revoked.
Snowden’s father said in remarks broadcast Wednesday on Russian television that he would like to visit his son. Kucherena said he is arranging the trip.
Snowden’s lawyer has said his client’s temporary asylum would allow him to travel freely only around Russia; he would not be allowed to leave the country. His one-year asylum can be extended.
Good for you, Snowden. It must be great to finally see something else besides the inside of an airplane terminal.
Source: Huffington Post
