Russian Political Technologists In Angola Are Being Tried For Terrorism

Angolan authorities believe they have been recruiting Africans for acts of terror and protests

On March 24, two Russians accused of espionage, terrorism and bribery will begin trial in Angola. The investigation links them and their six colleagues who have managed to leave the country to the African Political Scientists project, founded by Evgeny Prigozhin. Moscow, at the level of authorities, has not commented on the case - despite the seriousness of the charges and the long sentence the Russian citizens face, reports VSB.

The Russians are charged with crimes under eleven criminal articles, including "organization of a terrorist group," "terrorism" and "financing of terrorism." The defense objected that there were no terrorism-related facts in the case, but the judges confirmed on January 12 that only "intent to harm national integrity and independence, to destroy and undermine state institutions" could suffice for such a charge. In addition, the Russians are accused of espionage, "active corruption of officials," and "influence peddling," among other charges.

According to a lawyer familiar with the case file, prosecutors consider it espionage to be the collection and transfer to Russia of information about the situation and state administration in Angola, and corruption to be bribing local officials and politicians to elect a pro-Russian president in 2027. Igor Ratchin and Lev Lakshtanov face up to 15 years in prison.

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