Father of NSA leaker Snowden thankful for Russian hospitality

2013-10-10 3

After months of waiting, the father of N.S.A. leaker Edward Snowden is finally in Russia.

Lon Snowden entered the country through the same airport where his son was stranded for weeks this summer.

Outside the airport, he told the media that he has had no direct contact with his son.

(SOUNDBITE) (Enlgish) LON SNOWDEN, FATHER OF FUGITIVE FORMER U.S. SPY AGENCY CONTRACTOR EDWARD SNOWDEN, SAYING:

"I'm here certainly to learn more about my son's situation and I am thankful, extremely thankful again to the Russian people, president Vladimir Putin."

Edward is wanted in the U.S. on espionage charges for leaking thousands of classified documents on the government's surveillance programs.

Lon has continued to stand by his son.

(SOUNDBITE) (Enlgish) LON SNOWDEN, FATHER OF FUGITIVE FORMER U.S. SPY AGENCY CONTRACTOR EDWARD SNOWDEN, SAYING:

"I'm not sure my son will be returning to the U.S. and that's his decision. He's an adult. You know he is a perso