'Snoopgate' whistleblower's Hong Kong asylum request may take years to fructify

NSA snooping programme whistleblower Edward Snowden may have to wait for a long time till his asylum request in Hong Kong is addressed due to recent changes in the law.

According to CBS News, Snowden who claims that he is not in Hong Kong to hide from justice but to reveal more about the US surveillance targets, believes that the Hong Kong government is independent in relation to other western countries.

Although there is a lot of controversy about Snowden's activities and his possible future if US extradites him, there has been a recent change in the Hong Kong law about asylum system.

In a recent court ruling the Hong Kong government has been asked to change its asylum system after several asylum seekers were persecuted in their home countries.

According to the report, Ip said that Hong Kong has certain bilateral agreements with US which make them duty-bound to comply with agreements.

Former secretary for security, Regina Ip, said that Hong Kong shares strong co-operation with the US and it would be best for Snowden to leave the country.

The report further said that till the legal changes are made, which might take years, Snowden's request for an asylum would be stalled.