Karine Jean-Pierre. File photoWASHINGTON Sep 26 The White House declined to comment on former U.S. intelligence officer Edward Snowden receiving Russian citizenship, citing a criminal case against him.»As far as I know, he was facing criminal charges, we would refer you to the Department of Justice,» White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre responded to a request for comment. court. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously signed a decree granting Russian citizenship to Snowden. An American who fled to Russia in June 2013 initiated a major international scandal by handing over to the Washington Post and Guardian newspapers a number of classified materials about the surveillance programs of the US and British intelligence services on the Internet. jpg» />Snowden must return to US and stand trial, State Department says
