CNN is reporting what the Russians said about Mueller in their legal objection to his indictment of a Russian company.
Not surprisingly, they’re aping many narratives tossed out by Trump allies in social media:
NEW: In a court filing, a Russian company accused of interfering in the 2016 US presidential election accused Mueller of trying to “justify his own existence” and needing “to indict a Russian — any Russian” for political reasons. https://t.co/ZF9k3ZFIK6 pic.twitter.com/bgDkbRpwwd
— CNN (@CNN) May 14, 2018
A Russian company accused of interfering in the 2016 US presidential election continues to play hardball with special counsel Robert Mueller’s team, now asking a federal judge to look closely at whether the prosecutors pursued a sham criminal case.
Concord Management and Consulting said in a court filing Monday that foreign interference in the election is a “make-believe crime.” The company accused Mueller of trying to “justify his own existence” and needing “to indict a Russian — any Russian” for political reasons.
Mueller’s office has accused Concord Management of funding the Russian conspiracy that favored Trump’s candidacy and using online accounts posing as Americans to distribute propaganda.
The company is the only one among three Russian companies and 13 Russian individuals indicted by Mueller that has responded to the charges in court. Concord Management has pleaded not guilty to a conspiracy charge related to its involvement in the use of social media before the election. Mueller’s office has struggled to reach the other defendants in the case, as expected with the indictments of foreigners.
Two US lawyers for Concord stepped up in recent weeks to pick away at the prosecutors’ approach. At first, the Concord attorneys took issue with the way Mueller’s team had contacted them with a summons, then they demanded more details about the information prosecutors have in the case. Judges have not yet stepped in on those issues.
Honestly, it’s hard to tell who’s copying whose narratives at this point.
These are interesting accusations but it really does come down to whether Mueller has the evidence to back up his claims and indictments. And if he doesn’t, it’ll be really embarrassing for him. And if he does, well, it’ll be REALLY embarrassing for.. other.. people. Also, #MAGA!!!