National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden may be heading back to the United States from Russia if certain conditions can be struck with the government, his attorney told Germany’s Der Spiegel.
“There are negotiations,” attorney Wolfgang Kaleck said, Newsmax reported. “Those who know the case are aware that an amicable agreement with the U.S. authorities will be most reasonable.”
Ms. Snowden isn’t actively involved in those negotiations, Mr. Kaleck said.
Likely, the conditions that could lead Mr. Snowden to return to the United States would include at least a partial pardon from prosecution. Mr. Kaleck insisted his client didn’t download 1.7 million classified files — some of which revealed U.S. spy operations on other governments, as well as on possibly American citizens — with any sort of malicious intent, Newsmax reported.
Still, the Justice Department would like to pursue prosecution against the former NSA contractor under the Espionage Act. He’s been charged with two counts of violating this act and one charge of theft of government property.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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