Lawyer Kucherena confirms Snowden's intention to apply for Russian citizenship
MOSCOW. Nov 2 (Interfax) - Edward Snowden, a former employee of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National Security Agency (NSA) who has recently received permanent residence in Russia, is planning to apply for Russian citizenship, Snowden's lawyer Anatoly Kucherena t0ld Interfax.
"Given that Snowden and his wife are expecting their first baby, Edward has asked me to assist in filing his application for Russian citizenship," Kucherena said.
The process of collection and preparation of documents required for applying for a Russian passport will begin shortly, the lawyer said.
"Edward has told me that their baby is expected to be born in December; considering that the baby will be entitled to Russian citizenship by the birth right, he also wants to be a citizen of Russia," he said.
Snowden announced his intention to apply for Russian citizenship on Twitter earlier.
Snowden has a permanent residence permit in Russia.
According to Kucherena, the permanent residence permit was granted to the runaway American, who received asylum in Russia due to prosecution by the United States, after the adjustments made to Russian immigration laws in 2019.
In 2013, Snowden provided information to the media on U.S. special services surveillance programs worldwide. The reports drew a broad public response. In the United States, he was charged with espionage in absentia, as well as theft of government property. Snowden left the U.S. for Hong Kong and then ended up in Russia.