MOSCOW, October 15 (RIA Novosti) - US National Security Agency (NSA) whistleblower Edward Snowden will make a video address to Brussels Liberty Festival participants on October 23, De Standaard newspaper reported Wednesday.
It is expected that the NSA former contractor will deliver a 20-minute-long speech concerning human rights. It is not yet confirmed whether he will respond to audience questions during the address.
The Liberty Festival takes place on October 16-25 in the Belgian capital, Brussels. The festival has an emphasis on democracy, freedom and religion.
In June 2013, Snowden leaked information about the extensive electronic surveillance programs conducted by the US government around the globe, including eavesdropping on US citizens and foreign leaders. The revelations strained relationships between Washington and its European partners.
Back at home, Snowden is accused of theft of government property, unauthorized communication of national defense information and willful communication of classified documents to an unauthorized person. Each of the three charges carries a maximum prison term of 10 years.
On August 1, 2013, Russian authorities granted Snowden temporary asylum in Russia for one year. In August 2014, the whistleblower received a three-year residence permit in Russia.
