Former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, wanted by the United States for leaking extensive secrets of its electronic surveillance programs, has been given a three-year residence permit by Russia, his Russian lawyer told reporters on Thursday.
The announcement comes at a time when Russia’s relations with the West are at Cold War-era lows over Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
“The decision on the application has been taken and therefore, with effect from August 1, 2014, Edward Snowden has received a three-year residential permit,” Anatoly Kucherena said.
“In the future, Edward himself will take a decision on whether to stay on [in Russia] and get …read more
Source: Voice of America