News   /   Human Rights

Possibility exists for Snowden to return: Eric Holder

Snowden attends a Dutch parliamentary hearing on the subject of "Improving the protection of whistleblowers" via video link from Russia on June 24, 2015. (AFP)

It is possible for the US Justice Department to make a deal with former NSA contractor Edward Snowden that could lead to his return to the United States, says a former Attorney General Eric Holder.

In a Monday interview with Yahoo News, Holder said that the “possibility exists” for the whistle blower to return to his country.

Snowden began leaking classified intelligence documents in June 2013, revealing the extent of the National Security Agency's spying activities.

He revealed that the spy agency has been collecting the phone records of millions of Americans and foreign nationals as well as political leaders around the world.

“We are in a different place as a result of the Snowden disclosures” and “his actions spurred a necessary debate” that finally made President Barack Obama and the Congress to change policies, Holder (seen below) said.

“I certainly think there could be a basis for a resolution that everybody could ultimately be satisfied with,” he added.  

In January 2014, Holder had said that the United States was willing to “engage in conversation” with Snowden or his lawyers.

At the time, Holder rejected any granting of clemency to Snowden let alone suggesting that his deeds had a positive impact in the US.

Snowden fled his country to avoid espionage charges. In August 2013, Russia granted him asylum for one year.

“The former attorney general’s recognition that Snowden’s actions led to meaningful changes is welcome,” said Snowden’s lawyer Ben Wizner. “This is significant … I don’t think we’ve seen this kind of respect from anybody at a Cabinet level before.”

Many regard Snowden as a whistleblower and a national hero for blowing the lid off the US government’s global surveillance operations.

NT/NT


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku