Edward Snowden might be a step closer to being able to leave Russia. In a 285-to-281 vote, the European Parliament passed a resolution urging the European Union’s 28 countries to offer Snowden asylum — or, at the very least, to allow him to pass through on his way to, say, South America without being arrested and sent to the United States, where he is still facing 30 years in prison under the Espionage Act. Unfortunately for the NSA leaker, the parliament doesn’t have the ability to force member states to abide by its request to “drop any criminal charges against Edward Snowden, grant him protection and consequently prevent extradition or rendition by third parties, in recognition of his status as whistleblower and international human rights defender.”
Still, Snowden seemed pleased by the development:
The American government was less thrilled. “Our position has not changed,” said a National Security Council spokesperson. “Mr. Snowden is accused of leaking classified information and faces felony charges here in the United States. As such, he should be returned to the U.S. as soon as possible, where he will be accorded full due process.”
