Schumer: Russia faces ‘serious consequences’ if it protects Snowden
By Alexander Bolton - 06/23/13 10:16 AM ET
Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.), the third-ranking Senate Democratic leader, said Sunday that Russia will face “serious consequences” if it harbors Edward Snowden, who has been charged with espionage.
“What’s infuriating here is Prime Minister [Vladimir] Putin of Russia abetting Snowden’s escape,” Schumer said in a CNN “State of the Union” interview. “I think it will have serious consequences for the United States-Russia relationship.”
Snowden, a former employee of Booz Allen Hamilton who leaked classified materials related to the National Security Agency’s electronic surveillance operations, has been charged with several counts of espionage.
He initially fled to Hong Kong but took a flight to Moscow Sunday morning after U.S. officials requested his extradition by Hong Kong authorities.
Schumer said Putin likely approved Snowden’s flight to Russia and certainly knew of it.
“Something at this level in a state- controlled country, the minute Aeroflot got the notification he would be coming, I believe that Putin, it's almost certain he knew, and it's likely he approved it,” he said.
Schumer said if Putin protects Snowden it could affect bilateral nuclear disarmament talks and other cooperation
Graham: US should chase Snowden 'to the ends of the earth’
By Jennifer Martinez - 06/23/13 10:34 AM ET
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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Sunday said the United States should warn Russia and other countries that there will be consequences for harboring former government contractor Edward Snowden, who leaked classified documents about National Security Agency surveillance programs.
"I don't believe he's a hero. I think he compromised a national security program designed to find out what terrorists are up to," Graham said on "Fox News Sunday."
"The freedom trail is not exactly China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela. So I hope we'll chase him to the ends of the earth, bring him to justice and let the Russians know there will be consequences if they harbor this guy."
Hong Kong authorities notified the U.S. that Snowden had departed the city on a flight to Moscow, and may be en route to a third country, according to reports. Snowden was allowed to leave Hong Kong despite a U.S. extradition request.
The website Wikileaks said it had provided Snowden with legal advisers to help him secure asylum in a third country.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) called Snowden "delusional" for reportedly heading to Russia and Cuba because of those countries' human rights records relative to the U.S.
"I think he's in for a rude awakening if that's what he has in mind," Lee said. "It tells me that if he's looking for a place with a better human rights record than the U.S., he's certainly not going to find it in any of these countries."
