U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden seeks Russian passport for sake of future son

 

FILE PHOTO: Edward Snowden speaks via video link during a news conference in New York City, U.S. September 14, 2016. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

 

MOSCOW (Reuters) - U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden and his wife are applying for Russian citizenship in order not to be separated from their future son in an era of pandemics and closed borders, he said on Monday.

 

Snowden's wife, Lindsay, is expecting a child in late December, the RIA news agency cited Anatoly Kucherena, his Russian lawyer, as saying.

 

Snowden, 37, fled the United States and was given asylum in Russia after leaking secret files in 2013 that revealed vast domestic and international surveillance operations carried out by the U.S. National Security Agency where he was a contractor.

 

U.S. authorities have for years wanted Snowden returned to the United States to face a criminal trial on espionage charges brought in 2013.

 

"After years of separation from our parents, my wife and I have no desire to be separated from our son. That's why, in this era of pandemics and closed borders, we're applying for dual US-Russian citizenship," Snowden wrote on Twitter.

 

"Lindsay and I will remain Americans, raising our son with all the values of the America we love — including the freedom to speak his mind. And I look forward to the day I can return to the States, so the whole family can be reunited.

 

Our greatest wish is that, wherever our son lives, he feels at home."

 

Russia has already granted Snowden permanent residency rights, his lawyer said last month, a vital step towards Russian citizenship.

 

U.S. President Donald Trump said in August he was considering a pardon for Snowden. Trump is running for a second presidential term against Democratic challenger Joe Biden at elections on Tuesday.

 

Snowden keeps a low profile in Russia. He has praised the country's natural beauty and the warmth of its people, while using social media to criticise government policy from time to time.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-11-02

 

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Why not. US and Russia are getting closer under trump. 

I see a Time when Snowden will be once again living in the US in a position of responsibilty. Before making a negative comment, listen to his interviews on Joe Rogan Podcast or with Glenn Greenwald or on NBC. Judge himself for yourself.

 

He'll be standing in line behind Trump at the application centre.

27 minutes ago, jingjai9 said:

I see a Time when Snowden will be once again living in the US in a position of responsibilty. Before making a negative comment, listen to his interviews on Joe Rogan Podcast or with Glenn Greenwald or on NBC. Judge himself for yourself.

 

Snowden is also the guy who worked for the NSA cs. People can change but that much? I am not ready to trust him completely ...

53 minutes ago, jingjai9 said:

I see a Time when Snowden will be once again living in the US in a position of responsibilty. Before making a negative comment, listen to his interviews on Joe Rogan Podcast or with Glenn Greenwald or on NBC. Judge himself for yourself.

 

I would like to see him pardon and  interviewed again by Greenwald. Perhaps ,write a book or two and live his life out on  Martha's Vineyard

2 hours ago, ballpoint said:

He'll be standing in line behind Trump at the application centre.

Maybe Trump already has his along with 'the order of Lenin and the golden shower'

18 hours ago, Sujo said:

Why not. US and Russia are getting closer under trump. 

 

Yes because everything not American is evil, according to many of their citizens, while in my opinion America is the most evil part in all of this

2 hours ago, riclag said:

I would like to see him pardon and  interviewed again by Greenwald. Perhaps ,write a book or two and live his life out on  Martha's Vineyard

Why do you think he would be welcome on Martha’s Vineyard, and where could he afford to live there?

And why not...most Tory MP's and their families have applied for EU passports wherever the laws allow them......

19 hours ago, Sujo said:

Why not. US and Russia are getting closer under trump. 

 

In what ways are you suggesting? Evidence?

 

Or simply repeating fake news? 

2 minutes ago, Surelynot said:

And why not...most Tory MP's and their families have applied for EU passports wherever the laws allow them......

 

Can you provide statistics and evidence to support you claim?

 

Otherwise you are posting fake information.

30 minutes ago, Susco said:

 

Yes because everything not American is evil, according to many of their citizens, while in my opinion America is the most evil part in all of this

 

It certainly seems to dispel the much vaunted 'American Free Speech" and encouraging whistle bowers myths.

 

They like to out other countries for things they do themselves! Remember they spied on Mutti Merkel and other EU leaders. Close "allies" 555!

1 minute ago, Baerboxer said:

Remember they spied on Mutti Merkel and other EU leaders. Close "allies" 555!

I think you should insert allegedly.....unless you have chapter and verse on the US spying activities.

7 hours ago, ballpoint said:

He'll be standing in line behind Trump at the application centre.

More likely standing behind trump in the prison cafeteria line lol

As a whistle blower, you are always screwed. Especially when you step on power peoples toes.

Fact should be, those people should be in jail and not the whistle blower.  

3 hours ago, Tug said:

More likely standing behind trump in the prison cafeteria line lol

And you serving the food perhaps? LOL.

congrats Reuters for choosing this nice photo

8 hours ago, Surelynot said:

I think you should insert allegedly.....unless you have chapter and verse on the US spying activities.

 

no need.

NSA spying on Merkel's mobile is an established fact.

1 hour ago, Benmart said:

And you serving the food perhaps? LOL.

Ahhhhh no I’m a patriotic American citizen not a traitor or draft dodger 

12 hours ago, tgw said:

 

no need.

NSA spying on Merkel's mobile is an established fact.

...and here is a list of links to prove that.........?

1 minute ago, Surelynot said:

...and here is a list of links to prove that.........?

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-usa-spying-idUSKCN0PI2AD20150709

And there are many more.

1 minute ago, Surelynot said:

...and here is a list of links to prove that.........?

 

why don't you do your own research?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33106044

 

 

Just now, stevenl said:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-usa-spying-idUSKCN0PI2AD20150709

And there are many more.

ha...just seen them....thanks

5 minutes ago, tgw said:

 

why don't you do your own research?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33106044

 

 

 

 

10 minutes ago, Surelynot said:

NSA spying on Merkel's mobile is an established fact.

Odd....so many comments are made on here when someone makes a statement such as....where's your evidence...provide the links....what is your source?......and others state...... do your own research...don't be so lazy find out for yourself.....

 

I was roundly accused yesterday for saying 'I think'...oh you think do you? So no evidence then? Just your thoughts?

 

No links for any of the above....you'll have to do your own research I'm afraid.

7 minutes ago, Surelynot said:

Odd....so many comments are made on here when someone makes a statement such as....where's your evidence...provide the links....what is your source?......and others state...... do your own research...don't be so lazy find out for yourself.....

 

I was roundly accused yesterday for saying 'I think'...oh you think do you? So no evidence then? Just your thoughts?

 

No links for any of the above....you'll have to do your own research I'm afraid.

 

well, "educating" others about something demands a bit more documentation imo.