Snowden Gets Good News From Russia

Former NSA contractor is given permanent residency rights there
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 22, 2020 10:20 AM CDT
Snowden Can Stay in Russia Permanently
Former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden speaks in Moscow on Oct. 11, 2013.   (AP Photo, File)

Edward Snowden is free to stay in Russia as long as he likes. The US whistleblower has been granted permanent residency rights in the country, his Russian lawyer announced Thursday. The former NSA contractor, who was granted asylum in Russia after leaking secret files in the US in 2013, sought a three-year extension to his Russian residency permit in April as it was due to expire, per CNN and Reuters. Lawyer Anatoly Kucherena notes the permanent residency rights were granted Thursday following delays due to the coronavirus pandemic. He adds Snowden isn't interested in applying for a Russian passport at this point, per TASS. Last year, Snowden said it was his "ultimate goal" to return to the US, though he would only do so if he could guarantee a fair trial on espionage charges. (President Trump has suggested a possible pardon.)

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