Maybe, yes he may but there is no official confirmation to say whether or not Edward Snowden is headed to Venezuela.
Since the start of June, Snowden, 30, has become one of the most popular man, or one of the most hated and hunted man, in the world. Wanted by United States of America for releasing sensitive government details, Snowden is seemingly on the run seeking asylum from other countries now that he has been charged with espionage and theft of government property by American federal prosecutors. Amongst the list of countries Snowden seeks help from is the South American country of Venezuela.
A former analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and technical contractor for the United States National Security Agency(NSA), Snowden has become known as the whistle blower who leaked details regarding the NSA using surveillance programs to closely monitor, spy, on American civilians unbeknownst to them.
While Snowden has been branded a traitor and enemy for revealing the NSA’s misdoings, in a two-part interview with The Guardian Snowden acknowledges his intention was due to him not being able to live under such a system and knew when coming forth that he may never be able to willfully return to America and “does not expect to see home again.”
Since receiving worldwide recognition mid-June, Snowden has been transit limbo at a hotel around Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport trying to avoid arrest. According to reports, Snowden has reached out to 20 countries for asylum. While the Russian government has offered to provide asylum to Snowden, countries like France and Brazil have turned down his request.
But, another country in South America has agreed to help the whistle blower.
On Monday, President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela said that amongst the list of countries Snowden sent asylum requests to Venezuela and has agreed to honor the request.
“An asylum request letter arrived,” Maduro told reporters, after his meeting with President Ricardo Martinelli of Panama. Maduro adds that he “will have to decide when he will fly here.”
Making a public announcement last Friday, Maduro extended an offer of humanitarian asylum to Snowden while condemning the United States for unleashing madness after an incident with President Evo Morales of Bolivia who was denied landing rights by several European countries because of the possibility of Snowden somehow being aboard one of those flights.
“Latin America is telling this young man that you are being persecuted by the empire; come here,” Maduro said, giving a nod to several other Latin American countries like Bolivia and Nicaragua.
“The U.S. doesn’t govern the world,” Maduro said, regarding questions about any possible reprisals from the U.S for taking Snowden in, “We’re a free and sovereign country.”
Also on Monday, the White House declared warnings that Snowden may not be allowed to travel to any other country beside the United States despite any offer of asylum he may receive. In addition to the warning, U.S authorities revoked Snowden’s passport.
With no passport the only way Snowden would be able to travel is if the country offering him asylum, that he accepts, provides him travel documents. Snowden would then have to figure out how to get to said country. If Snowden chooses to accept Venezuela’s acceptance he may also find it troublesome to get them beside having the necessary document.
According to news sources, the only commercial flight from Moscow to Venezuela would require a fly over European countries. This would cause complications because some European countries are closely monitoring flights leaving Moscow due to the possibility of Snowden sneaking out.
As of now, Snowden is still believed to be in Moscow with some supporting him while others still trying to arrest him.
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