Snowden's Lawyer Says the NSA Whistle-Blower is Seeking Russian Protection After Death Threats

Was granted one year of asylum last August

Edward Snowden, the fugitive former U.S. contractor residing 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 yesterday. "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 allegedly made by unidentified U.S. officials.