American informant Edward Snowden and his wife decided to apply for Russian citizenship. The couple claims that they did this so that they would not be separated from their son during the pandemic.
According to his Russian lawyer Anatoly Kucherena, Snowden's wife, Lindsay, is due to give birth in late December.
Snowden, 37, fled the United States and took asylum in Russia in 2013 after leaking classified files revealing extensive domestic and international surveillance operations by the US National Security Agency, where he was a contractor. At the same time, the American authorities charged him with espionage — and repeatedly insisted on the return of Snowden to the country where he would be brought to justice.
In October 2020, the Russian Federation granted the American the right to permanent residence, but then Kucherena insisted that his client was not considering the prospect of obtaining Russian citizenship.
“After many years of separation from our parents, my wife and I have no desire to be separated from our son. — commented on his decision Snowden on Twitter — This is why in the era of pandemics and closed borders, we are applying for dual Russian-American citizenship. «
«Lindsay and I will remain Americans who will raise our son in accordance with American values , including freedom of speech.»
“I look forward to the day when I can return to the States and reunite with my family. Our greatest desire is for our son to feel at home, wherever he lives. «
