In a brief two-page letter (below) to Russia's Minister of Justice, AG Holder offers to graciously allow Edward Snowden to return to the US promising that he will be neither tortured ("Torture is unlawful in the US") nor put to death ("The charges he faces do not carry that possibility.") Holder's plea ends on a hopeful note that he believes "these assurances eliminated grounds for Mr. Snowden's asylum." We are sure Snowden (and the Russians) feel better already. On a sidenote, we were surprised a Dreamliner was not offered as means of transport just to ensure his safe arrival.
Via NPR,
The U.S. wants Russia to deport Snowden. American officials want him returned to the U.S. for prosecution. Holder's letter, which was released Friday, addresses some "press reports and prior conversations between our governments" about issues involving Snowden's status. The attorney general writes that:
Snowden "is able to travel. Despite the revocation of his passport on June 22, 2013, Mr. Snowden remains a U.S. citizen. He is eligible for a limited validity passport good for direct return to the United States. The United States is willing to immediately issue such a passport to Mr. Snowden."
Claims that Snowden "would be tortured and would face the death penalty" if he is sent to the U.S. "are entirely without merit."
On the death penalty, "the charges he faces do not carry that possibility."
"Mr. Snowden will not be tortured. Torture is unlawful in the United States."
"We believe these assurances eliminate these asserted grounds for Mr. Snowden's claim that he should be treated as a refugee or granted asylum, temporary or otherwise."
Full letter below:
Attorney Genral Eric Holder's Letter to Russia's Justice Minister [3] by mmemmott [4]