© Marcos Brindicci / ReutersEdward Snowden
"Essentially, he now has every reason to apply for [Russian] citizenship in the future, in a while, as the law [states] that one needs to spend no less than 5 years on the territory of Russia [to be granted citizenship]," Snowden's lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told RIA Novosti news agency.
"This means that if he decides [to apply for citizenship] in the near future, it will be legally possible. He has now lived in Russia for almost four years, has not violated any laws, and there are no [legal] claims against him - this is one of the reasons his residence permit was extended," Kucherena explained.
In a statement to Interfax, Kucherena also expressed hope that the incoming US administration headed by Donald Trump will change Washington's attitude towards the former whistleblower.
"I hope that the administration of President-elect Donald Trump will be more sensitive and objective in its consideration of the Snowden issue and will change the attitude the official authorities [expressed] towards it," Kucherena stated on Wednesday, noting that in order "to do this, they need only to work through Snowden's story and realize that he did not commit any crime."
The news of Russia extending Snowden's residence permit was first announced on Tuesday, when Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed in a Facebook post that his asylum renewal had been secured.
Her post came in response to an op-ed by former CIA Director Michael Morell published Sunday in the The Cipher Brief, in which he suggested Edward Snowden be presented as the "perfect inauguration gift" from Vladimir Putin to Donald Trump.
Zakharova responded sharply, saying that Russia does not betray its principles and does not hand out "gifts," especially when these "gifts" may face prosecution.
"You failed to understand Russia, Michael Morell," Zakharova stated, implying that Russia does not surrender those who might be unfairly prosecuted in another country.
Snowden, 33, fled the United States and disclosed mass surveillance programs used by US intelligence services back in 2013. He was eventually granted asylum in Russia for one year, which was later extended to three years and now prolonged further. Following his revelations, the US authorities revoked his passport and launched a legal case against him on charges of theft and violating the Espionage Act. If he returns to his homeland, he may face criminal proceedings and, most likely, a lengthy prison term.
Not worth it to go back to the US and risk it.