Snowden Applies for Temporary Asylum in Russia

MOSCOW, July 31 (RIA Novosti) Fugitive NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has applied to have his temporary asylum in Russia extended for another year, his lawyer Anatoly Kucherena said Thursday.

Edward is still in Russia, we have recently prepared and submitted a package of documents to receive a temporary political asylum," LifeNews TV quoted the lawyer as saying.

Kucherena said Snowdens request should be resolved today or tomorrow." If this is issue not resolved, we will clear up the situation, the lawyer added.

As Edwards documents have been accepted, he must wait for a decision from the Federal Migration Service, his lawyer said.

Speaking on Snowdens life in Russia, Kucherena said this year has been very fruitful. This year, as he has been living in Russia, was useful for him as he learned about Russia and Russian culture. I think this year has been interesting and helpful for him, the lawyer said, adding that Snowden has started learning the Russian language. We already discuss some events in Russian, Kucherena said.

While his circumstances influence Snowdens everyday life due to security concerns, the lawyer said this does not mean that he cannot move freely. He can freely visit any Russian cities and show interest in culture and routine life, Kucherena said adding that Snowden has taken advantage of this.

REUTERS Courtesy of The Guardian/Glenn Greenwald/Laura Poitras

Factbox: Edward Snowden in Russia

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Snowden Applies for Temporary Asylum in Russia