Former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden obtains open-ended Russian residence permit

Snowden was granted an open-ended residence permit earlier today.

The former United States National Security Agency contractor, Edward Snowden who leaked classified documents on American surveillance programmes, has got Russia’s open-ended residence permit, his lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena informed the media.

"Snowden was granted an open-ended residence permit earlier today," his lawyer told TASS News Agency on Thursday.

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Earlier, Kucherena said that Edward Snowden's residence permit automatically extended till June 15 amid the coronavirus pandemic that was to expire on April 30, 2020.

Edward Snowden obtains open-ended Russian residence permit: Key points

  • Snowden leaked information on US intelligence's methods of electronic surveillance, including illegally eavesdropping on foreign leaders in 2013.
 
  • Fleeing punitive consequences from United States federal authorities, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia.
 
  • Snowden received a Russian residence permit valid for three years, which was later extended for another three years, On August 1, 2014.
 
  • The United States authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden to have caused grave damage to national security.
 
  • For the time being Snowden does not think about the possibility of applying for Russian citizenship.
 
  • As soon as the lockdown ended, Snowden applied for its prolongation.
 
  • In the United States, Snowden is facing two counts of violating the Espionage Act.
 
  • Snowden may end up being in prison for 10 years on each of the counts.

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