In 2013, Snowden leaked information about illegal mass electronic surveillance programs conducted by the NSA. In the United States, he faces up to 30 years in prison on charges of espionage and theft of government property.
“I have been consistent in saying that the only thing I want from the government in order to come back and stand trial is guarantees of a fair trial,” Snowden told.
He added that he, as well as the public or the US government, was not interested in a “show trial,” currently on the table in the United States.
In July, the whistleblower’s lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena told Sputnik that Snowden would consider returning to the United States, but he cannot rely on a fair and just trial.
In 2013, Snowden was granted temporary asylum in Russia, one year later, he received a three-year residency permit in the country.
