Edward Snowden finally left Sheremetyevo Airport, where he had been located for nearly 40 days, now that he has been granted asylum in Russia for one year. After leaking revealing documents about National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance programs, Snowden fled the United States and made it to Russia before the U.S. revoked his passport. Snowden sees his grant of asylum as a victory for the law, which he believes the U.S. had been disrespecting since the leak occurred. Snowden left the airport with Wikileaks reporter Sarah Harrison, whom he has been with since his arrival.
Russia’s recent actions have created diplomatic problems with the United States government, as they have actively tried to get Snowden to return for a proper trial. According to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, the Obama administration was “extremely disappointed” with Russia’s decision, continually urging for Snowden’s extradition since his arrival in Russia.
[Politico]
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Featured image courtesy of [thierry ehrmann via Flickr]