Edward Snowden Receives Russian Citizenship
Jose Nino
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On September 26, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin granted Russian citizenship to former National Security Administration (NSA) contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden.
According to a Daily Caller report, Putin issued a decree on September 26 that granted Snowden citizenship roughly two years after the National Security Administration (NSA) filed a petition for Russian citizenship. He did so with his wife, justifying the move on the grounds that he believed that they would be separated from their son in “this era of pandemics and closed borders.”
So far, Snowden has not renounced his United States citizenship. American authorities still want to apprehend Snowden for his alleged theft of government property and violation of the Espionage Act.
Snowden received permanent residency in Russia back in 2020. Snowden was one of 75 foreign nationals who were granted citizenship on September 26. He has lived in Russia since 2013 as a way to evade American authorities.
American authorities are on Snowden’s tracks for his alleged leaking of classified documents detailing numerous international surveillance operations that involved the NSA and other government agencies in 2013.
From the outset, Snowden went straight to Hong Kong in May 2013. In June 2013, Snowden sent these documents to prominent journalists such as Glenn Greenwald. That same month, Snowden had his passport revoked by the US Department of State. Snowden would later travel to Russia and establish new roots there.
At first, Putin described Snowden’s move to Russia as an “unwanted Christmas present” in 2013. Putin initially recommended that Snowden leave the country. However, Russian authorities have refused to extradite Snowden to the US in the ensuing years.
Snowden has commanded immense respect from libertarians, constitutionalists, and anti-war leftists. By leaking these sensitive documents, Snowden exposed the national security state’s dark agenda.
While it’s good to see Snowden diversify his political and geopolitical risk, America First nationalists should ultimately pardon Snowden and drop all the charges he is currently facing.
Whistleblowers and truth-seekers such as Snowden should not be treated as criminals. In a much healthier society, people who expose the Deep State should be treated as heroes and receive universal praise.
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