General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: General Correction: Snowden did not choose to be in Russia. [View all]sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)Hong. They had already angered the US by refusing their request to detain him there until he could be picked up by US authorities. All that speculation is simply that, speculation. He was allowed to continue on his to South America by the Hong Kong authorities, but his passport was rescinded by the US Govt before he landed in Russia where he was unable to board his flight to continue on his way. Requests were made again by the US Govt to turn him over. He had to retain an attorney in Russia as he was unfamiliar with Russian law in order to try to figure out what to do next.
It is very possible that allowing to go back to Hong Kong was discussed with the authorities there, and very likely that they had done all they intended to do, and did not want to create any more controversy with the US Govt so refused to allow him to return there.
All we know are the FACTS. Which are:
1) It is a lie to say he 'fled to Russia' which I have seen even here on this forum, shamefully. He did not.
2) The Hong Kong Govt refused the US Govt request to turn him over to the US.
3) He was allowed to continue on his way to South America which WAS his intended destination by Hong Kong.
4) The US Govt then rescinded his passport.
5) He was unable to board his next flight out of Russia due to the actions of the US Govt.
Period.