An undated handout photo received from Channel 4 on December 24, 2013 shows US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden preparing to make his television Christmas message.

Fugitive US whistleblower Edward Snowden’s year-long leave to stay in Russia has expired without confirmation that it will be extended. His lawyer said he could stay in the country while his application for an extension was being processed.

Snowden 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 supemarket 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.

 
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