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Edward Snowden granted three-year Russian residence permit

Edward Snowden granted three-year Russian residence permit

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Temporary asylum no more

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Edward Snowden is staying in Russia for the foreseeable future. Snowden's lawyer Anatoly Kucherena confirmed today that Russia has granted the NSA whistleblower a three-year residence permit, according to Russia Today. He was given temporary asylum last August, and applied for an extension last month. Under the terms of the permit, Snowden will be able to travel freely throughout the country, and can travel abroad for up to three months. Staying abroad longer would result in the residence permit being revoked. According to Kuchereena, Snowden did not request political asylum, and will not be able to apply for Russian citizenship until he has lived in the country for five years. He added that Snowden will hold a press conference to discuss the news as soon as it's possible.