Russian lawyer: Snowden may apply for Russian nationality

Snowden's lawyer said there was a posibility that Snowden could apply for Russian nationality.

By CCTV reporter Wang Jingxuan

A Russian lawyer who has been assisting Snowden says there’s a possibility that the fugitive former US intelligence agency contractor could now apply for Russian nationality.

Speaking to a CCTV reporter, Anatoly Kucherena says there are several ways Snowden could stay in Russia after his temporary asylum period ends, including permanent political asylum, or applying for Russian nationality. But application for the temporary asylum status, which remains valid for 1 year, has taken less time and been a simpler procedure. Kucherena says Snowden is now free to make his next move... but becoming a Russian citizen is certainly an option.

"I don’t rule out the possibility. According to Russian law, anyone can apply for Russian nationality, no matter where he’s from. But he first has to live in Russia for 5 years before he files an application." said Anatoly Kucherena, Snowden's lawyer.