Snowden’s father says he will return to the US

Lonnie Snowden says he believes his son is being manipulated by people at the WikiLeaks website.

File photo of Edward Snowden.

The father of NSA leaker Edward Snowden acknowledges that his son broke the law but doesn’t think he committed treason.

The NBC “Today” show reported on Friday that Lonnie Snowden is sending a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder saying he believes his son would voluntarily return to the United States if the Justice Department promises not to hold him prior to trial and not subject him to a gag order.

The elder Snowden hasn’t spoken to his son since April but says he believes he’s being manipulated by people at the WikiLeaks website.

Lonnie Snowden told the NBC that his son broke the law in releasing classified information, but did not betray the people of the United States.

Edward Snowden, who fled to Russia, is charged with violating U.S. espionage laws.