Peters: Russians ‘likely’ meddled with US vote

Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters thinks it is ‘‘highly likely’’ that Russia meddled in the 2016 United States election – but still says there is no conclusive proof.

Peters has repeatedly told journalists there is ‘‘no evidence’’ Russia interfered in the election by hacking America’s Democratic National Committee and strategically releasing information to hinder Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s chances of winning. However, Peters did say he had ‘‘suspicions’’.

His stance echoed one recently held by US President Donald Trump, who at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week said he did not see any reason why it would be Russia in particular that had meddled with the election. This contradicted the view of his intelligence services and special counsel Robert Mueller, who indicted 12 Russian nationals just before the meeting.

Trump later walked back on those comments in the face of widespread outrage.

Speaking to Stuff yesterday, Peters maintained that Russia should not be proclaimed ‘‘guilty’’ on the evidence presented thus far.

‘‘Some people in the media don’t seem to know the difference between an indictment and a conviction, so if you’re charged with an offence, every wise person in our type of society believes in our system of laws, believes you’re innocent until proven guilty. Except on this matter everybody is rushing to judgment,’’ Peters said.

He did think, however, that the interference was probable.

‘‘Yes, I believe it is highly likely that that was what was going on. But if you’re going to indict someone, then surely intend to have a trial and find out whether your indictment is valid or not,’’ Peters said.

‘‘That’s all I was trying to tell my media friends, but some of them actually like to believe in, ‘We’ll hang him in the morning but first we’ll give him a trial’ – that is not the way our law works.’’

Despite America and Russia’s extradition treaty, experts believe it’s unlikely the 12 Russian intelligence officers indicted will be handed over to the US.

Peters’ relationship with Russia has come under some scrutiny after he won progress on a free trade agreement with the country in coalition negotiations.

‘‘You’re innocent until proven guilty. Except on this matter everybody is rushing to judgment.’’ Winston Peters