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Strange Emails: “All the Characteristics of a Russian Information Operation” Against Biden
Joe Biden with his son Hunter. Image: EPA
More than 50 high-ranking former US intelligence officials see Russia behind a campaign against the son of the Democratic challenger in the presidential election, Joe Biden.
The posting of emails allegedly belonging to Biden’s son Hunter had “all the classic characteristics of a Russian information operation,” read a letter posted on the Politico website on Monday (local time).
The background is a “New York Post” report that tried to connect Biden to his son Hunter’s business in Ukraine. The newspaper reported that an email found in a notebook at a repair shop indicated a meeting between Joe Biden and his son’s business partner in 2015.
A Biden spokesperson denied this accusation: “We checked Joe Biden’s official hours from then on, and there was never a meeting as the New York Post claims.”
The former intelligence officials did not provide any new evidence in their letter. Instead, they said their experience in national security made them deeply suspicious. “If we are correct, Russia is trying to influence the way Americans vote in these elections, and we strongly believe that Americans should be aware of this.”
Leon Panetta Image: AP / FR170079 AP
The signers include former CIA Directors Leon Panetta, John Brennan and Mike Hayden, and former Directors John McLaughlin and Michael Morell.
The short message service Twitter prevented the distribution of web links to the “New York Post” article. As justification, the company referred to regulations against the dissemination of information obtained through “piracy” and containing private data.
“They are trying to protect Biden,” US President Donald Trump said last week during an election campaign appearance in Des Moines, Iowa.
In the United States, a new president will be elected on November 3. In national polls, challenger Biden leads against Trump. (aeg / sda / dpa)
