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GERMANY-RUSSIA-POLITICS
Merkel cites ‘hard evidence’ Russian hackers targeted her
BERLIN, May 13, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced
frustration Wednesday that Russia was targeting her in hacking action, saying
she had concrete proof of the “outrageous” spying attempts.
“I can honestly say that it pains me. Every day I try to build a better
relationship with Russia and on the other hand there is such hard evidence
that Russian forces are doing this,” she told parliament.
Germany’s intelligence service has repeatedly called out attempts by
Russian hackers to spy on lawmakers or leading politicians.
German media reported that among information copied by hackers in 2015 was
data from Merkel’s email account. That attack also targeted the Bundestag.
Merkel said investigators into the 2015 hacking had identified a specific
suspect.
“Unfortunately the conclusion I have reached is that this is not new,” she
said, noting that “cyber-disorientation, the distortion of facts” were all
part of “Russia’s strategy”.
“Obviously this doesn’t make it easier” to foster a better relationship
with Moscow, she said, calling such spying tactics “more than uncomfortable”.
BSS/AFP/MRU/1829hrs