Angolan Court Hands Down Lengthy Sentences to Russian Nationals for Terrorism and Espionage. In a significant development, a court in Angola has convicted two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, of terrorism and spying charges. The men were accused of plotting a coup and orchestrating deadly demonstrations in the southern African country last year, sparked by fuel price hikes. The court's verdict comes as a major blow to the pair, who had maintained their innocence, claiming they were in Angola for cultural and business purposes. Their sentencing to eight and 11 years in jail respectively is a stark reminder of the Angolan government's zero-tolerance policy towards perceived threats to national security.
The men were convicted over alleged plan to stage coup and organise deadly demonstrations over fuel prices last yearTwo Russian men have been found guilty by an Angolan court of terrorism and spying after being accused of planning a coup and helping to organise deadly demonstrations in the southern African country last year.Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were sentenced to eight and 11 years in jail respectively. They had denied the charges, claiming they were in Angola for cultural and business activities. Continue reading...
