[jsanders2001]

< “A testimony in Moscow or by video still would entail significant problems for security and the protection of information about the relevant concerns.”

In other words they know Putin will protect him in Moscow so they want to bring him to Germany where he's unprotected so they use whatever tactic it takes, including torture, to see what all he's divulged or knows. After he gives them what they want you'll never see or hear about him again.

[upchuck]

IMHO, Snowden knows if he leaves Moscow his future is very uncertain. He’ll stay there.