Russian authorities have granted Edward Snowden entry into Russia after completing their review of his asylum request; they issued Snowden provisional documents which will allow the whistle-blower to leave his Sheremetyevo Airport transit area home.

RT reported the development saying his request followed weeks of searching for a way to leave the country, which he intended to pass briefly on his way to another destination and where he was stranded because the US revoked his travel passport.

It took Russian immigration authorities a week for an initial assessment of an asylum request. They decided to proceed with the request and issued Snowden provisional documents to that effect.

“When he gets those documents in his hands, he will be released from his temporary home at Sheremetyevo Airport and will be able to go freely about the Russian Federation,” explains RT’s Lindsay France from the airport.



It can take up to three months to either grant or reject the asylum request. If granted, temporary asylum would allow Snowden to remain in Russia for one year and be renewed annually. If the request is rejected by the Immigration Service, Snowden may appeal the decision in court.

**UPDATE**
RT now reports that Snowden still cannot leave Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport.

Anatoly Kucherena, who is Snowden's lawyer arrived at the airport at about 4pm Moscow time (12:00 GMT), had a large paper bag with him. Speculation immediately arose that he was carrying a document that would allow Snowden out of the transit zone.

“The certificate is not a document, political asylum request maybe reviewed within three months,” the lawyer dispelled the rumor.

Kucherena did not give any specific date when documents should be issued. Asked about reasons for that, he explained that the delay in issuing all necessary documents to Snowden is due to the uniqueness of the situation.