Russian passport

The whistleblower Edward Snowden has received a Russian passport, his lawyer told Russian state media yesterday, swearing allegiance to the country that has sheltered him from US authorities since 2013. Snowden (below), 39, a former intelligence contractor who leaked secret files then published in the Guardian, was granted citizenship in September. His lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, said Snowden had received a passport. “He took the oath.”

Kucherena said yesterday that Snowden was “happy”, and Russian citizenship would protect him from extradition. Snowden’s wife, Lindsay Mills, is also said to be applying for Russian citizenship. They live at an undisclosed location with their two sons, who were born in Russia.