Snowden charged with espionage

U.S. authorities have filed espionage charges against Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who leaked information about the country's secret surveillance programs.

Snowden is currently holed up in a safe house somewhere in Hong Kong. A treaty between the U.S. and Hong Kong could force his extradition, should the U.S. request it.

Hong Kong police have remained tight lipped saying only that they will comply with the rule of law on the matter.

But it may not be that simple.

Human rights lawyers say Snowden will likely fight any extradition charges.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) HONG KONG LEGISLATOR AND MEMBER OF CIVIC PARTY, CLAUDIA MO, SAYING:

"I should expect there will be plenty of legal wrangles. Theft, it's not political. But then espionage should be political by nature. And according to our extradition with, or our treaty with the United States anything that's political should come under all kinds of arguments to start with."