White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a Friday press briefing that if the Russian government were to give fugitive defense contractor Edward Snowden political asylum, it would be equivalent to granting him a “propaganda platform” and would run counter to Russia’s previously stated neutrality.
Carney reiterated that since Snowden is facing three felony charges, he ought to be expelled from Russia to the U.S. where he will “be afforded due legal process.”
“Every aspect of the United States system of justice is available to him upon his return,” he said.
Carney said President Barack Obama will hold a previously scheduled phone call Friday afternoon with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
