Snowden's temporary refuge ends in Russia

Fugitive US whistleblower Edward Snowden's political asylum status in Russia has expired while his extension application is still under process.

However, Snowden's lawyer said that he could stay in the country until his application was being processed.

There is hardly any information on Snowden's activities in Russia, reports the BBC.

Snowden gained worldwide attention last year when his recorded message was released on Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual televised question-and-answer session about spying activities of Russia.

Snowden's lawyer said in a statement that his client had been given permission to stay till his application for extension was being processed. He added that it was not a political asylum.