Russian government grants former NSA contractor Edward Snowden citizenship

Russian government grants former NSA contractor Edward Snowden citizenship
Edward Snowden in 2013 (Wikimedia Commons)
World

Former National Security Agency (NSA) Edward Snowden has been gone from the United States for nine years and has been avoiding U.S. authorities by staying in Russia. And Snowden may be able to avoid them permanently; according to CNN, the Russian government has “granted” him “citizenship.”

CNN reports that the Russian government’s decision was announced in “an official decree” that was “published on the Russian government portal” on Monday, September 26.

“Snowden, who admitted to leaking information about U.S. surveillance programs to the press, has been in Russia since 2013,” CNN notes. “He is facing espionage charges and up to 30 years in prison in the U.S. In November 2020, Snowden and his wife applied for Russian citizenship. He had been already given permanent residency in Russia.”

READ MORE: No spying needed: Why prosecuting Espionage Act violations is 'controversial and complicated'

Understand the importance of honest news ?

So do we.

The past year has been the most arduous of our lives. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be catastrophic not only to our health - mental and physical - but also to the stability of millions of people. For all of us independent news organizations, it’s no exception.

We’ve covered everything thrown at us this past year and will continue to do so with your support. We’ve always understood the importance of calling out corruption, regardless of political affiliation.

We need your support in this difficult time. Every reader contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference in allowing our newsroom to bring you the stories that matter, at a time when being informed is more important than ever. Invest with us.

Make a one-time contribution to Alternet All Access , or click here to become a subscriber . Thank you.

Click to donate by check .

DonateDonate by credit card
Donate by Paypal
{{ post.roar_specific_data.api_data.analytics }}
@2024 - AlterNet Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. - "Poynter" fonts provided by fontsempire.com.