NAN-F-17
Allegation
Moscow, June 7, 2017 (dpa/NAN) Russia on Wednesday rejected reports alleging that it hacked into the Qatari state news agency and planted fake stories to exacerbate a rift between Middle Eastern states.
“We have repeatedly explained that Russian government structures do not have any relationship with hacking.
“Regarding hacking attacks in general, I tell you, this has, in a strange way, turned into a very fashionable, popular subject,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
The Russian embassy in Qatar also shrugged off the claims and said that the Qatari authorities had not contacted the embassy about it.
“The official authorities of Qatar have not contacted the Russian embassy in Doha for information regarding the alleged hacking attack from the Russian side,” the embassy said.
CNN had reported that the U.S. investigators assisting the Qatari government in their probe into the alleged hacking believed that Russia was behind the breach in May.
The stories included statements of support to Iran by the emir of Qatar, Tamim Al-Thani.
Doha said the remarks were fabricated.
Iran is Saudi Arabia’s regional rival, and the comments prompted angry reactions Riyadh and other Gulf capitals, culminating in the decision this week by six Arab states to break ties with Qatar.
The Kremlin has been batting away hacking accusations for months.
On Tuesday, it denied allegations of Russian government hacking after revived claims in U.S. media that Russia committed cyberattacks intended to influence 2016 U.S. presidential election in favour of Donald Trump.
Trump had vowed to improve relations with Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had also rejected a speculation that the Russian government has employed hackers to influence elections. (dpa/NAN)
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