Edward Snowden in 2018. Photograph: Lindsay Mills
The Guardian: Edward Snowden describes Russian government as corrupt
Whistleblower’s comments a risk given his sanctuary in the country since 2013
National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden has delivered his most trenchant criticism yet of the Russian government, describing it unequivocally as “corrupt”.
His comments mean the proposed US-Russia summit in Helsinki on 16 July is potentially risky for him if Donald Trump was to request Vladimir Putin to hand him over.
Snowden is wanted in the US on three charges under the Espionage Act, carrying a minimum of 10 years each in jail. Putin could balance the propaganda value of having Snowden in Russia against providing Trump with an easy gift.
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WNU Editor: Edward Snowden is only voicing what almost every Russian thinks about his government. I also do not think the Russians are going to expel him even though by making political comments critical of the Russian governemnt he is violating the terms of his residency status. But Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is correct when he said the following .... Lavrov on trading Snowden for sanctions relief: Russia sees US exile as ‘master of his own destiny’ (RT). Where it will be a problem for Edward Snowden is if he participates in anti-government protests and makes numerous comments denouncing the government. In that case .... when his residency permit is up for renewal (I think it is in the next year or two) .... they are not going to renew it, and he will have to find another safe haven. I think Iceland would accept him .... but he will have to figure out a way to get there.
