Russia's President Says Snowden Is In Moscow; Won't Be Extradited
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Russia's president is speaking out about NSA leaker and former Maryland resident Edward Snowden.
Jessica Kartalija has the latest.
The Russian president confirms Snowden is in Moscow and will not be extradited to the US.
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed to the world that US fugitive and former Maryland resident Edward Snowden remains at the Moscow airport but has not stepped foot on Russian soil. Putin refused to meet White House demands to return the admitted NSA leaker to the United States because Russia does not have an extradition treaty with the US. Putin added that he hoped the case would not affect Russia's relationship with the US.
Secretary of State John Kerry tried to be diplomatic but continued to keep the pressure on.
"We're not looking for a confrontation or ordering somebody. We're simply requesting under very normal procedures for the transfer of somebody just as we transferred to Russia seven people in the last two years," Kerry said.
Putin also claimed that Russian security officials haven't approached Snowden during his now two days at the airport but some find that unlikely.
"It's interesting as to was he in control of his possessions in all that time or were they exposed to exploitation, either electronically or directly? Those are questions that have US intelligence officials very nervous," said CBS This Morning senior correspondent John Miller.
Snowden's hopscotch from Hong Kong to Moscow has created an international incident further straining White House relations with both China and Russia.
The 29-year-old contractor embarrassed the Obama administration by leaking information about a government surveillance program. Snowden reportedly told a south China newspaper he took the NSA consulting job so he could uncover and reveal secrets.
WikiLeaks says they are providing Snowden with money and support.
Snowden lived with his family in Ellicott City and went to Anne Arundel Community College.
