Snowden seeks to avoid extradition to US, appeals to extend stay in Russia

9 July 2014, 16:52 -- Former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden has asked the Russian Federal Migration Service (FMS) to extend his stay in Russia, his lawyer Anatoly Kucherena said. 'A procedure stipulated by the Russian law exists; we have gone through the procedure of getting temporary asylum. It ends on July 31, 2014. So we have submitted documents necessary to appeal for extending his stay in Russia,' Kucherena told reporters on Wednesday.

He did not specify which status Snowden asks for in order to remain in Russia. 'I will not say for now with which status we would like to get this extension because the decision rests with the Federal Migration Service,' Kucherena said having confirmed that the request was submitted to a Moscow region FMS office.

According to Interfax, the migration service declined to comment on the prospects of extending temporary asylum to Snowden in Russia. Early June it became known that Snowden was ready to move to Brazil if given such opportunity.

Snowden was issued a certificate on temporary asylum in Russia on July 31, 2013, which expires on July 31, 2014. According to the FMS website, temporary asylum is granted for one year and can be extended for 12 months annually.

In the US Snowden is accused in absentia of stealing state property, unsanctioned access to defense information and intentional transfer of secret information to foreign secret services. Snowden is facing up to ten years in prison for each accusation.

Source: http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_07_09/Snowden-seeks-to- avoid-extradition-to-US-appeals-to-extend-stay-in-Russia-0779//