Eric Holder Snowden: U.S. Assures Russia No Death Penalty Sought for Exiled American (Video)

In an effort to extradite Edward Snowden back to the United States, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder assured Russia that the U.S. would try him in a civilian court, and would not seek the death penalty against him, USA Today reported. Russian President's Vladimir Putin 's spokesman again ruled out hopes for Holder to get Snowden extradited.

Holder's letter followed followed news reports that Snowden has filed papers seeking temporary asylum in Russia on grounds that if he were returned to the U..S. would be tortured and would face the death penalty.

Snowden has been charged with three offenses in the U.S., including espionage , and could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

"I can report that the United States is prepared to provide to the Russian government the following assurances regarding the treatment Mr. Snowden would face upon return to the United States," Holder wrote. "First, the United States would not seek the death penalty for Mr. Snowden should he return to the United States." In addition, "Mr. Snowden will not be tortured. Torture is unlawful in the United States."

 Nonetheless, Holder's request was met by ridicule by Bruce Fein, a lawyer representing Snowden't father. "Today the attorney general stated - apparently thinking he was being conciliatory - that if Edward Snowden were returned to the United States we wouldn't kill him or torture him. Those are concessions only in the mind of someone who's very biased," said Fein.

Dmitry Peskov, also said that Putin is not involved in reviewing Snowden's application or in discussions with the U.S. of his future with the U.S.

Putin has said that if Snowden releases any more of the materials, Russia will not grant him temporary asylum.

Tags

Attorney General Eric Holder, Edward Snowden, Extradition Treaty, U.S.-Russia Relations

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