US intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden, who is currently living in Russia on political asylum, would be offered due process of law, but he should first return to the country and face charges, the White House has said.
Snowden, 33, the former intelligence contractor with the US National Security Agency (NSA) would be offered due process of law on return, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said yesterday, adding that President Barack Obama continues to believe that he has done harm to the national security interest of the US.
“The first is that Mr Snowden has been charged with serious crimes and it is the policy of the administration that Mr Snowden should return to the US and face those charges. He, of course, will be afforded due process and there are mechanisms in our criminal justice system to ensure that he is treated fairly and consistent with the law. That is what the President believes,” Earnest said.