Fugitive Edward Snowden applies for asylum in Russia
Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has applied for temporary asylum in Russia, officials say.
The Federal Migration Service confirmed he had completed the relevant paperwork at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, where he has been for the past three weeks.
Mr Kucherena said the fugitive had stated in the application that he faced possible torture and execution if he returned to the US.
If his application is accepted, he will be free to work and move freely in Russia, said the lawyer.
Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Mr Kucherena as saying he had asked Mr Snowden whether he would observe a request from President Vladimir Putin to not harm US interests if he is able to leave the airport.
"He replied: 'I will observe this condition'," Mr Kucherena told the agency.
This is a new step down the road. Last week in the statement that Snowden released in his meeting with human rights advocates he indicated a desire to apply for asylum in Russia, but Russian officials were saying that no application had been received. Now that has happened. The next step is to see if it is granted.