Snowden a recluse one year on from Russia asylum

MOSCOU: Fugitive US intelligence agent Edward Snowden marked on Thursday one year of political asylum in Russia, where he continues to live a life shrouded in mystery amid a dearth of public appearances. Little has been heard on the movements of the former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor since he first obtained provisional leave to remain in Russia after spending -- according to the official version -- a month in the transit area of Moscow´s Sheremetyevo airport.

It is not known where the reclusive Snowden lives, if he is working or if so, in which sector.

The last picture of Snowden published in Russian media dates from December 2013. In it, the former agent sports a red t-shirt and beige cap, apparently on a boat in the middle of the Moskva river. The popular website LifeNews also published an image of Snowden pushing a supermarket trolley while out shopping, which his lawyer, Anatoli Kucherena, confirmed to be genuine. In April, Snowden made a shock appearance on an annual question and answer session with President Vladimir Putin, probing the Kremlin strongman on the surveillance of Russia´s population. "I would like to ask you: Does Russia intercept, store or analyse, in any way, the communications of millions of individuals?" he asked in a recorded message, appearing against a black background wearing a dark jacket and grey t-shirt.

Fear for his life
Accused by Washington of espionage and stealing state documents, Snowden travelled to Moscow via Hong Kong after revealing the true extent of global US electronic surveillance. He had intended to travel to South America. The former NSA employee, who has had his passport withdrawn by US authorities, stayed in Russia after being granted asylum. Snowden´s lawyer Kucherena said on Tuesday that the fugitive still feared for his life.

"If I had the chance to organise a meeting with him, I would. But for now the question of security is still relevant," Kucherena said at a forum on education. "I know his worries, his relationship to life, his relationships with people. I know his relationship with his parents. He is a very honourable man," he said. In January, Snowden received online death threats from some US officials, whose identity has not been revealed, according to Kucherena.