It is one thing to avoid Russia from a position of power and freedom but it is completely understandable to go to Russia as a place of personal safety when so much of the world is denied to you as was the case for Snowden. I think it quite reasonable to assume that Snowden opposes Putin's nasty politics but also I believe it is reasonable for him to keep his mouth closed about that, having all the major governments of the world actively hating you is a bit much to ask of one man.
His going there made no statement that Russia was free or good just the for him personally it was possibly the safest move at that time.
I would also argue that his publicly speaking out on the abuses in the US, UK etc. may in the long term do far more to improve the freedoms in Russia by improving the acceptable international standards from where they are slipping to than if he had never leaked.
Politicians and even athletes who go to the Olympics have a greater responsibility to speak publicly against some of Russia's policies than a whistleblower on the run.
His going there made no statement that Russia was free or good just the for him personally it was possibly the safest move at that time.
I would also argue that his publicly speaking out on the abuses in the US, UK etc. may in the long term do far more to improve the freedoms in Russia by improving the acceptable international standards from where they are slipping to than if he had never leaked.
Politicians and even athletes who go to the Olympics have a greater responsibility to speak publicly against some of Russia's policies than a whistleblower on the run.