Snowden Could Testify Against NSA in Switzerland

US whistleblower Edward Snowden could be granted asylum in Switzerland in order to testify against the US National Security Agency's (NSA's) surveillance programmes, according to Swiss media reports.

Le Matin Dimanche and Sonntags Zeitung claim to have procured a document titled "What rules would apply if Edward Snowden is brought to Switzerland and the United States makes an extradition request?", written by Switzerland's Attorney General.

The document reportedly states that the former NSA contract worker would not be extradited to the US if it was determined that his actions "constitute a political offense, or if the request has been politically motivated".

Sarah Progin-Theuerkauf, a Swiss immigration rights activist, has suggested that Snowden could be granted asylum due to the political nature of his situation.

"There is evidence that Edward Snowden meets the criteria of refugee status under the Geneva Convention and therefore should be granted asylum," Progin-Theuerkauf told Sonntags Zeitung.

Swiss politicians have called for the former NSA contract worker to appear as a witness in oder to establish the extent of the US foreign surveillance programmes.

"We must now move forward, so that Snowden can travel to Switzerland as a witness as soon as possible," SVP National Luzi Stamm said.

Last month, Snowden was granted a three year residence permit by Russia - the country that he has sought asylum in since June last year.