Snowden Seeks Protection, Fearing Threats from Government Officials, Lawyer Says

NSA officials told media outlet they wanted to kill whistle-blower

Edward Snowden, the fugitive former U.S. contractor living in Russia under temporary asylum, is appealing to the local government for protection after receiving threats against his life, his lawyer in Moscow said.

"He has no other option but to seek protection and ask for the situation to be cleared up," Anatoly Kucherena said by phone today. "There are worries and alarm about statements and actions on the part of some officials."

Kucherena, who has represented Snowden's interests in Russia since he sought refuge last July after leaking classified National Security Agency documents, pointed to reports on Buzzfeed this month that contained threats made by unidentified U.S. officials.