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Snowden and NSA leaks

Edward Snowden obtains open-ended Russian residence permit

The former contractor of the US National Security Agency does not consider the possibility of applying for Russian citizenship for the time being, according to his lawyer

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NSA whistleblower Snowden applies for extending Russian residence permit

MOSCOW, October 22. /TASS/. Former contractor of the United States’ National Security Agency (NSA) Edward Snowden has obtained Russia’s open-ended residence permit, his lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, told TASS on Thursday.

"Snowden was granted an open-ended residence permit earlier today," he said, adding that for the time being Snowden does not consider the possibility of applying for Russian citizenship.

Earlier, Kucherena said that Snowden’s residence permit was to expire on April 30, 2020, but was automatically extended till June 15 amid the coronavirus pandemic. As soon as the lockdown ended, Snowden applied for its prolongation.

In 2013, Snowden leaked information on US intelligence’s methods of electronic surveillance, including illegally eavesdropping on foreign leaders. Fleeing punitive consequences from US federal authorities, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia. On August 1, 2014, he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years, which was later extended for another three years. In the United States, Snowden faces two counts of violating the Espionage Act. He may risk up to ten years in prison on each of the counts. The US authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden to be a traitor who caused grave damage to national security.

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