TEMPO.CO, Helsinki - Russian President Vladimir Putin would not extradite Edward Snowden. He also refused the allegation saying the Russian security authority was working with Snowden.
"Our special services never worked with Mr. Snowden and aren't working with him today," Putin said during his visit to Finland, Tuesday, June 25.
Snowden is now seeking asylum as the United States pursues him for leaking top-secret documents regarding the National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance capabilities. The US has charged him under the Espionage Act.
Putin said that Snowden remained in Sheremetyevo's transit hall, and was treated like any other passenger. Normally, passengers in airports can only stay for 24 hours in the international transit zone. "He arrived as a transit passenger – he didn't need a visa, or other documents," Putin said.
The White House responded to Putin’s statement. "We are asking the Russian government to take action to expel Mr. Snowden without delay and to build upon the strong law enforcement cooperation we have had, particularly since the Boston Marathon bombing," said National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.
GUARDIAN | AMIRULLAH
