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Edward Snowden granted permission to remain in Russia for further three years as Putin bites back over tightened Ukraine sanctions | Edward Snowden granted permission to remain in Russia for further three years as Putin bites back over tightened Ukraine sanctions |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Russia has granted fugitive US whistleblower Edward Snowden permission to stay in Russia for three more years, his lawyer said today. | Russia has granted fugitive US whistleblower Edward Snowden permission to stay in Russia for three more years, his lawyer said today. |
The decision came as Russia announced it was imposing a "full embargo" on food imports from the EU, US and other Western countries in response to sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine. | The decision came as Russia announced it was imposing a "full embargo" on food imports from the EU, US and other Western countries in response to sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine. |
Both announcements will be perceived as further aggravating factors in the already tense diplomatic relations between Russia and the rest of the world over the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. | |
Russia has responded angrily to the increased sanctions agreed by the EU and US following the downing of Malaysia Airlines MH17 over Ukraine last month. | Russia has responded angrily to the increased sanctions agreed by the EU and US following the downing of Malaysia Airlines MH17 over Ukraine last month. |
The Russian leadership is reportedly also considering barring airlines from Siberian airspace, a move that would significantly increase airline costs for Asian destinations. | The Russian leadership is reportedly also considering barring airlines from Siberian airspace, a move that would significantly increase airline costs for Asian destinations. |
Meanwhile, the ongoing presence of high-level leaker Mr Snowden in Russia is a continued source of discontent for the US. | Meanwhile, the ongoing presence of high-level leaker Mr Snowden in Russia is a continued source of discontent for the US. |
The NSA whistleblower, who is arguably America's most wanted man, was last year granted temporary asylum of one year, but that ran out on August 1. | |
His lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying Mr Snowden has been granted residency for three more years. | His lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying Mr Snowden has been granted residency for three more years. |
He said Mr Snowden had not been granted political asylum. That status would allow him to stay in Russia permanently but must be decided by a separate procedure, Mr Kucherena said. | He said Mr Snowden had not been granted political asylum. That status would allow him to stay in Russia permanently but must be decided by a separate procedure, Mr Kucherena said. |
He did not say whether his client is seeking it. | He did not say whether his client is seeking it. |
Mr Snowden was stranded in a Moscow airport last year en route from Hong Kong to Cuba, shortly after he released extensive documentation about the National Security Agency's surveillance programs. | Mr Snowden was stranded in a Moscow airport last year en route from Hong Kong to Cuba, shortly after he released extensive documentation about the National Security Agency's surveillance programs. |
He reportedly spent a month in the airport before receiving the temporary asylum, but was seen only at one tightly restricted meeting with human rights representatives. | He reportedly spent a month in the airport before receiving the temporary asylum, but was seen only at one tightly restricted meeting with human rights representatives. |
Since receiving the temporary asylum, his whereabouts have not been made public. | Since receiving the temporary asylum, his whereabouts have not been made public. |
The case has been a significant contributor to tensions between Russia and the United States. | The case has been a significant contributor to tensions between Russia and the United States. |
"I don't think there's ever been any question that I'd like to go home," Mr Snowden said in a television interview in May. | "I don't think there's ever been any question that I'd like to go home," Mr Snowden said in a television interview in May. |
"Now, whether amnesty or clemency ever becomes a possibility is not for me to say. That's a debate for the public and the government to decide. | "Now, whether amnesty or clemency ever becomes a possibility is not for me to say. That's a debate for the public and the government to decide. |
"But, if I could go anywhere in the world, that place would be home." | "But, if I could go anywhere in the world, that place would be home." |
The lawyer said Mr Snowden is working in the information technology field and that holding a job was a key consideration in extending his residency. He did not give details of where Mr Snowden is working. | The lawyer said Mr Snowden is working in the information technology field and that holding a job was a key consideration in extending his residency. He did not give details of where Mr Snowden is working. |
He also said his client is under the protection of a private guard service. | He also said his client is under the protection of a private guard service. |
Additional reporting by PA | Additional reporting by PA |
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