MOSCOW, October 27 (RIA Novosti) — Former NSA Contractor Edward Snowden has been awarded the Commemorative Medal for the "90 years since the birth of Alexander Zinoviev", a prominent Russian logician and social critique writer.
"Our biographical institute has decided to award the commemorative medal for the '90 years since the birth of Alexander Zinoviev' to Edward Snowden," the widow and director of the Zinoviev Biographical Institute said at an international scientific conference on Monday.
Zinovieva added that the decision was made considering Snowden's bravery, courage and civil acts that stand in line with the values of Alexander Zinoviev.
Although Snowden was not present to receive the award, organizers of the "Zinoviev club" are planning to invite him to a future event to personally receive the medal.
Among those awarded in previous Zinoviev anniversaries were politicians, scientists, media personalities and those who have promoted the intellectual heritage of the writer across the world.
Snowden received temporary asylum in Russia in 2013 and was later granted a residence permit until 2017. He is wanted in the United States on several charges including espionage and government property theft and could face up to 30 years in prison.
