Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Australia has asked the Australian government for asylum, saying she fears for her safety and believes Zimbabwe President Mugabe’s government is “illegitimate”. Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since independence from British rule in 1980, won a disputed election in July amid allegations by opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai of widespread rigging and fraud. Mugabe denies the accusations.

The familiar voice on the hotel room phone did not waste words. “What time does your clock say, exactly?” he asked. He checked the reply against his watch and described a place to meet. “I’ll see you there,” he said. Edward Joseph Snowden emerged at the appointed hour, alone, blending into a light crowd of locals and tourists. He cocked his arm for a handshake, then turned his shoulder to indicate a path. Before long he had guided his visitor to a secure space out of public view.