This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-23019414

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Edward Snowden 'leaves Hong Kong on Moscow flight' Edward Snowden leaves Hong Kong 'on Moscow flight '
(35 minutes later)
United States intelligence fugitive Edward Snowden has left Hong Kong on a flight bound for Moscow, reports say. US intelligence fugitive Edward Snowden has flown out of Hong Kong, the Chinese territory's government has confirmed.
The South China Morning Post, quoting what it says are credible sources, said he was due to arrive in Moscow on Sunday evening. The South China Morning Post quoted "credible sources" as saying he was due to arrive in Moscow on Sunday evening.
It said Moscow would not be his final destination.It said Moscow would not be his final destination.
Snowden, an intelligence analyst, fled to Hong Kong in May after revealing details of extensive internet and phone surveillance by the US gencies. Snowden, an intelligence analyst, fled to Hong Kong in May after revealing details of extensive internet and phone surveillance by the US National Security Agency (NSA).
"Mr Edward Snowden left Hong Kong today (June 23) on his own accord for a third country through a lawful and normal channel," the Hong Kong government said in a statement.
On Saturday, the White House contacted Hong Kong to try to arrange his extradition, but the territory's administration now says the documents submitted by Washington did not "fully comply with the legal requirements under Hong Kong law".
As a result, Hong Kong says it requested further information from the US Justice Department.
However, the statement goes on: "As the HKSAR Government has yet to have sufficient information to process the request for provisional warrant of arrest, there is no legal basis to restrict Mr Snowden from leaving Hong Kong."
The statement says Washington has been informed of Hong Kong's decision.
Mr Snowden left the US after leaking details of his work as an NSA analyst and the extensive US surveillance programme to Britain's Guardian newspaper and the Washington Post.
He has been charged in the US with theft of government property, unauthorised communication of national defence information and wilful communication of classified communications intelligence.
Each of the charges carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence. The complaint is dated 14 June although it was made public only on Friday.