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July 17, 2013

Snowden Applies for Temporary Asylum in Russia 
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The National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden has formally
applied for temporary asylum in Russia. Snowden has been stranded in
Russia unable to travel to Latin America, where three countries have
offered him refuge. On Tuesday, a Russian lawyer who helped prepare
Snowden's application said he fears returning to the United States could
subject him to torture or even the death penalty.

Lawyer Anatoly Kucherena: "He is being persecuted by the United States
of America, or rather by the U.S. government — that's what he
wrote, I'm quoting him. He fears for his life, for his safety, he fears
that torture or the death penalty can be used against him."

By seeking temporary asylum rather than political asylum, Snowden
technically would not need the personal approval of Russian President
Vladimir in order to stay. Putin has said Snowden can remain so long as
he stops leaking U.S. secrets.

 

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