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Snowden's
father arrives in Moscow
The
father of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has arrived in Moscow. Lon
Snowden's flight touched down at Sheremetyevo Airport - where his son
famously spent five weeks in transit limbo before receiving asylum in
Russia.
RT,
10 October 2013
The
plane carrying Lon Snowden landed in Moscow Thursday morning, RT crew
on the scene reported.
Edward
Snowden’s Russian lawyer Anatoly Kucherena has been seen in the
terminal accompanying Lon Snowden. The two came out to speak to
the media after finishing with legalities, although the appearance
was brief, because Lon Snowden was tired after his flight.
Snowden
senior was vague about when he would see his son, only saying that he
hopes that it will happen soon.
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He
voiced doubt that his son may ever return to America, although the
decision would be his to make. He added that his role as the
whistleblower is likely finished and Edward is of no further use as a
source of information about NSA spy programs.
“I
have no idea what his intentions are, but ever since he has been in
Russia, my understanding is that he has simply been trying to remain
healthy and safe and he has nothing to do with future stories,”
Lon Snowden said.
Kucherena
stressed that Lon Snowden is staying in Russia as his guest and
pledged to provide accommodation, security and other things necessary
to make his stay as comfortable as possible.
The
lawyer added that some other relatives of Edward Snowden may come to
visit Russia too, but would not disclose any details.
Lon
Snowden said he feels “extreme
gratitude”
that his son is safe, secure and free thanks to Russia.
Edward
Snowden has not been seen anywhere at the airport and apparently has
not come to meet his father for security reasons.
Edward
Snowden, a former NSA contractor, came to global prominence after a
series of publications on massive surveillance by the US government
and its allies started in May. The reports were largely based on
leaked documents which Snowden handed over to journalists.
While
the intelligence community and numerous politicians and officials
regard Snowden as traitor, he is viewed as an idealistic
whistleblower and defender of privacy by many people in the world. He
has been nominated for several high profile human rights awards,
including the Nobel Peace Prize and the European Sakharov Prize.
Snowden
was granted temporary asylum in Russia in August after he became
stranded in the country due to the withdrawal of his American
passport by US authorities. Washington wants him to be handed over
for a trial on espionage charges and pressured several countries,
which voiced their intention to harbor the fugitive. Moscow’s
decision is one of several points of contention between Russia and
the US
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