Angola jails two Russians following deadly unrest
Two Russian nationals have been sentenced to prison in Angola for allegedly plotting a coup and attempting to seize economic assets. The case has drawn international attention due to suspected links between the men and a Russian influence-operation network known as Africa Politology.
Why it matters
The incident highlights growing concerns over Russian political interference and influence operations in African nations.
The demonstrations between July 28 and 30, were triggered by a strike called by taxi drivers to protest against rising fuel prices in the oil-rich nation where millions live in poverty.
The violence left 22 people dead, according to Angola's Interior Ministry, but police at the time put the death toll at 30, with 200 people injured and 1,200 arrested.
It was some of the worst unrest in several years in the Portuguese-speaking southern African country, which has been governed by the MPLA party since 1975.
Prosecutors accused the pair of planning activities aimed at destabilising Angola by "preparing a coup d'etat" and trying to "take control of national economic assets".
The two -- Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, who were sentenced to eight and 11 years respectively -- denied any links to terrorist organisations.
They said they were in the country for cultural and commercial activities.
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