NSA Leaker Edward Snowden To Stay In Russia For Now

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Apparently former NSA contractor and secret document leaker Edward Snowden is not planning on leaving Moscow anytime soon. According to Snowden’s attorney Anatoly Kucherena, who was recently interviewed by Interfax, he can’t go back to the U.S. right now given the various legal charges against him are politically motivated.

Snowden fled the U.S. after he courageously absconded thousands of classified NSA and CIA documents exposing all manner of ongoing illegal and unethical activities by these agencies. He has been working with the The Intercept and other media sources to publish most of these secret documents so as to air the “dirty laundry” of global intelligence agencies. Keep in mind that Snowden and his team are being very careful to not release documents that would compromise important, legal U.S. intel operations.

This American hero is unfortunately being hounded by the U.S. authorities trying to get revenge for his whistle-blowing with trumped-up, politically motivated charges, and therefore he can’t return home.

Statements from Snowden attorney Anatoly Kucharena

“Edward and all of us hope that, sooner or later, all absurd charges against him will be lifted and the questions for him put on the legal track, without insults and name-calling. This is when he can return home,” Kucherena commented in the interview.

“We hope Edward will be able to return home one day. But for this to happen, the Department of State should abandon attempts to consider the case in a political light and put it into a legal framework. And, certainly, change the insulting rhetoric in relation to Snowden,” he continued.

In answering a question about Snowden’s current conditions, Kucharena answered: “He has no household problems. He doesn’t resort to additional assistance, is trying to adapt himself to the existing conditions, and doesn’t demand special treatment, attention or benefits. Edward is trying to come to his own lifestyle himself, is living freely and absolutely doesn’t want to be in the limelight.”.

When discussing his client’s condition and political circumstances in Russia, Kucherena replied, “A man who did this deed based on his own motives and convictions didn’t plan on staying in Russia. And this was a certain experience for our country as well. In this particular case, Russia is a pioneer, as not only did it have to accept this situation but it also had to understand how to behave in it, especially considering that the situation got into the global spotlight.”

Edward Snowden’s girlfriend now living in Moscow with him

In another point of interest, a number of media sources have been reporting that Edward Snowden’s girlfriend, American dancer Lindsay Mills, had joined him in Russia. It was not known whether she was just there for an extended visit, or had made a permanent move to Moscow.

When asked about Snowden’s current emotional state and new female companion, Kucharena commented: “He is alright, both regarding work and personal matters. Lindsay, who can be safely called his girlfriend-in-arms, is rendering him great and comprehensive support. I think we’ll dance at his wedding one day.”.

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