Yeah you can be skeptical of the west without jumping straight into the deep end of Russian/Chinese imperialism apologia.

Maybe that is just him negociating a last minute exit door to Russia Carlos Ghosn style in case nz justice system is about to extradite him

It certainly doesn't excuse it, but it's hardly surprising. I'm not sure how principled I could be if I'd been through the same ordeal. But hey, two wrongs don't make a right.