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US tells Russia will not seek death penalty for Snowden





"These claims are entirely without merit."

Snowden, whom Washington wants to put on trial for disclosing details of massive US surveillance, has been marooned at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport for more than a month amid uncertainty about his future.

The case has further strained relations between Washington and Moscow, although a Kremlin spokesman indicated Friday that Snowden's fate is not on President Vladimir Putin's immediate agenda.

The White House has voiced strong opposition to Snowden's request for safe haven in Russia and has criticized Moscow for providing him with a "propaganda platform."

In the letter dated Tuesday, Holder said the charges against the 30-year-old do not carry the possibility of the death penalty and that "the United States would not seek the death penalty even if Mr. Snowden were charged with additional, death penalty-eligible crimes."








Holder also said that, despite news reports and Snowden's belief to the contrary, he is able to travel and is eligible for a "limited validity passport."


