Two Russian men jailed in Angola for terrorism and spying
Two Russian men, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, have been sentenced to prison in Angola for terrorism and spying. The court convicted them of plotting a coup and organizing violent protests over fuel prices in 2025.
Why it matters
The case highlights geopolitical tensions and the influence of foreign actors in African political stability, specifically regarding Russian disinformation networks.
The protests against fuel price rises in Angola in July 2025 descended into riots and looting, with 22 people killed and over 1,600 arrested. The protests against fuel price rises in Angola in July 2025 descended into riots and looting, with 22 people killed and over 1,600 arrested. Angola Two Russian men jailed in Angola for terrorism and spying The men were convicted over alleged plan to stage coup and organise deadly demonstrations over fuel prices last year
Prefer the Guardian on Google Two 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.
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