Well, it seems that Edward Snowden isn’t about to be sprung from Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow. Russia’s RIA Novosti earlier reported that the fugitive NSA leaker had been given documents to leave the Moscow airport transit area and formally enter Russia. I hope Edward Snowden isn’t jaded into thinking he will be living in paradise once outside the airport. He should revisit history and look at what happened to the Americans who sought asylum in Russia.
Russia Today: NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden will have to stay at a Moscow airport for a little longer as his asylum plea is still being reviewed by Russian Immigration Authorities, according to his lawyer.
Anatoly Kucherena said that today Snowden will not leave Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, but confirmed that the NSA-leaker will live in Russia. He assured that Snowden is staying in good conditions.
However,Kucherena did not give any specific date when documents should be issued. Asked about reasons for that, he explained that such delay in issuing all necessary documents to Snowden is because of the uniqueness of the situation.
Earlier reports:
CNN: It’s still not clear whether Russia will grant the temporary-asylum request. But if it does, Snowden would be able to live in Russia — and even travel abroad — for at least a year, lawyer Anatoly Kucherena said last week.
RT: “The American is currently getting ready to leave. He will be given new clothes. Lawyer Anatoly Kucherena will bring the papers he needs to leave the transit zone of the airport,” says Interfax citing a source familiar with the situation. The migration service would not immediately confirm the information.
Kucherena, who arrived at the airport at about 4pm Moscow time, had a large paper bag with him. According to ITAR-TASS, he indeed carries all the paperwork needed for Snowden’s release. He went straight to meet the whistleblower in the transit zone without taking time to speak to the journalists, saying he would do so only after consulting with him.
Kucherena and Snowden are currently conversing in the transit zone, according to an Interfax source.
A new Washington Post-ABC News poll found that 53 percent of Americans say Edward Snowden should be charged for stealing and leaking classified information.
A new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows that a majority of Americans — 53 percent — now say the Snowden should be charged with a crime for his leaks. That’s up from 43 percent less than a month ago.
Over that same span, the percentage saying Snowden should not be charged has dropped from 48 percent to 36 percent.
Much of the movement comes from conservatives and moderates, who are now more likely to say Snowden should be charged with a crime. Among conservatives, 56 percent believe he should be charged, and 40 percent feel “strongly” about it.
This was cross-posted from The Hinterland Gazette.