China seen as likely to block extradition of Snowden

Daily Mail on Sunday:

It could take years to extradite NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden from Hong Kong to the USA on charges of espionage and according to legal experts, the move would likely be blocked by China.

On Friday, the US has charged Snowden with theft of government property, unauthorized communication of national defense information and willful communication of classified communications intelligence to an unauthorized person.

The latter two charges are part of the US Espionage Act. All three crimes carry a maximum 10-year prison penalty.

Hong Kong Legislators responded by calling for mainland China to intervene in the case.

Snowden, 29, who is apparently hiding in Hong Kong, was last seen on 10th June.

The US and Hong Kong have had an extradition treaty in place since 1998, the year after Hong Kong was transferred from British to Chinese rule.

While espionage and theft of state secrets are not cited specifically in the treaty, charged could be brought against Snowden under Hong Kong's official secrets ordinance.

Many Americans have been sent back for trial under the treaty but such extraditions can often take between three to five years.

However, it would also require the Hong Kong authorities to charge Snowden with a similar crime otherwise the extradition process could not begin and Snowden would theoretically be free to leave the city.
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 I suspect China wants to keep him there so they can pump him for more information on US capabilities.  Perhaps they would like to hire him to join their own hacking operations.  It look like the only way he comes back sooon is in a snatch and grab operation.