Rice says the former NSA contractor 'should have his day in court.' Rice: No amnesty for Snowden

National Security Adviser Susan Rice dismissed any possibility that former NSA contractor Edward Snowden would be granted amnesty, saying he doesn’t “deserve” it.

“We don’t think that Snowden deserves amnesty. We believe he should come back, he should be sent back, and he should have his day in court,” Rice said in an interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes” that aired Sunday.


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When host Lesley Stahl pressed Rice on the potential threat of other documents being released and whether any offers were being made to Snowden to prevent such leaks, Rice would not comment.

“Lesley, you know I’m not going to get into a negotiation with you on camera about something that sensitive,” Rice said.

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Rice’s comments echo those of White House press secretary Jay Carney, who told reporters last week that Snowden has been accused of leaking classified information, faces felony charges and ought to be returned to the U.S. and let the legal process play out.

Carney said Snowden will be given full due process, and added the administration is pressing Russia and others on the issue of his return.

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However, during his own press conference last Friday, President Barack Obama was more vague regarding the possibility of granting Snowden amnesty, saying it is up to the courts and attorney general “to weigh in publicly on the specifics of Mr. Snowden’s case.” The president didn’t answer directly when asked if he would rule out considering amnesty.

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