An Angolan court sentences two Russian men—Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin—to prison terms of eight and 11 years for allegations involving spying and terrorism, according to multiple reports. The convictions follow accusations that the men sought to destabilize Angola by paying people in the country to promote anti-Western and pro-Russian messaging and by helping organize deadly demonstrations.
One account says authorities alleged the men provided more than $24,000 to locals to spread propaganda and supported actions intended to inflame public unrest. Another report describes the case as involving an alleged plan to stage a coup and organize demonstrations related to fuel prices, which prosecutors and the court connect to fatalities.
Both men deny the charges. They argue they are in Angola for cultural or business purposes, including claims that their activities relate to establishing a Russian cultural center. Reporting indicates the court’s verdict rejects those explanations and finds them guilty of terrorism and spying-related offences.
