Snowden's Airport Stay Not Over Just Yet: Lawyer

Denies claims that document allowing Snowden to leave has been produced
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 24, 2013 7:50 AM CDT
Updated Jul 24, 2013 10:48 AM CDT
Layover's End: Russia Clears Snowden to Leave Airport
TV journalists are at Sheremetyevo airport outside Moscow, Russia, Friday, July 12, 2013.   (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Edward Snowden's status is pretty murky at the moment: Though Russian media this morning reported that he had been given the tentative go-ahead to end his month-long stay at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, his lawyer has since denied the report. The Russian reports cited an anonymous law enforcement source as saying that Russia has responded to Snowden's asylum request by issuing documents giving him permission to leave the transit zone and enter Russian territory, provided the border service is OK with it, according to RIA Novosti. But, making things more confusing, the sources said his lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, would be the one to deliver the documents to him, the BBC reports.

Among those who don't know what's happening: the White House. The AP reports it is "seeking clarity" from Russian officials on Snowden's status. One other interesting revelation from Kucherena, who met with Snowden today: He says Russia is Snowden's "final destination for now," and that the leaker plans to study the Russian language, reports the AP. He also says he brought Snowden some fresh clothes and books: Among them, Crime and Punishment. (More Edward Snowden stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X