Snowden asks for extension of asylum in Russia.
Temporary asylum for the American who in 2013 revealed secret US mass surveillance programs expires on July 31; "We have completed the documents relating to the extension of his stay in Russian territory," said Anatoly Kucherena, his lawyer.
From the Lusa News Agency
Edward Snowden, who in 2013 revealed secret US mass surveillance programs, has officially requested an extension of his temporary asylum in Russia, which expires on July 31, his Russian lawyer announced.
"We have completed the paperwork regarding the extension of his stay in Russian territory," Anatoly Kucherena told Russian news agencies, without giving further details.
Accused of treason and espionage by the United States, Snowden, 31, obtained temporary asylum in Russia on August 1, 2013, for a period of 12 months. Snowden, whose passport was revoked by the United States, stated in June that he had requested asylum in Brazil.
The former computer analyst revealed a series of mass surveillance programs by the United States National Security Agency (NSA) that targeted citizens, allied countries, and national and foreign organizations.