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Edward Snowden contacts father Lon Snowden for first time since fleeing U.S.


The lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, told Russian news agencies Thursday that Snowden and his father, Lon Snowden, had acted against legal advice. He urged them to refrain from any further contact, even using encrypted messages, until meeting in person.

The elder Snowden and a U.S. lawyer have said they intend to travel to Moscow soon, but would not announce the date ahead of time.

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Edward Snowden, who received asylum in Russia on Aug. 1, has not spoken publicly and his whereabouts remain secret. All previous contact with his father had been through Kucherena.

Previously, the father and his attorney, Bruce Fein, had said on ABC's "This Week" Sunday that they look forward to meeting with Edward Snowden to consider options for the leaker to return to the United States at some point.


But the elder Snowden isn't convinced his son would get a fair hearing in court, given what he called "absolutely irresponsible" descriptions of his son's actions from President Obama, his administration and top lawmakers from both parties.




Last week, Kucherena said he had sent Lon Snowden the required invitation to visit the country, a step toward securing a travel visa. Kucherena said he hoped a visit would happen in the coming days.

Fein says the trip would happen "very soon."

Russia's decision to grant Edward Snowden temporary asylum angered the U.S. government and scuttled Mr. Obama's plans for a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in visit Moscow next month.

Lon Snowden said the political outrage in Washington would fade and added "the American people are absolutely unhappy with what they've learned — and more is going to be forthcoming."


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