Two Russian nationals have been handed jail terms in Angola for terrorism and spying, following accusations of involvement in an influence operation aimed at provoking political change. A court found them guilty of charges including criminal association, espionage, terrorism, and illegal retention of currency.
During hearings, the Russians reportedly denied the allegations, with one stating he was a businessman aiming to establish a Russian cultural center and the other emphasizing his long academic career in Angola. They claimed meetings with Angolan political figures from both the ruling MPLA and opposition Unita parties were not linked to illegal activities. The court rejected a defense request to call these politicians as witnesses, deeming their testimony unnecessary.
Prosecutors alleged the defendants played a role in organizing unrest in Angola in 2025 and paid local journalists and experts over $24,000 to spread pro-Russian and anti-government content. Evidence presented included publications, notes, and photographs related to 2025 protests found on the defendants' devices.
However, many Angolan activists dispute the prosecution's narrative that the protests were not organic. The indictment itself faced criticism for relying on assumptions rather than concrete evidence, with earlier reports noting misspellings and factual errors.
Two Angolans, sports journalist Amor Carlos Tomé and political activist Francisco Oliveira, were also on trial for similar charges. Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Oliveira was acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed these judgments. Tomé is expected to remain in custody pending the appeal.
The trial, which began in March, was marked by controversy when the prosecutor declined to read the indictment aloud, arguing the defendants were already aware of the accusations. The defense disagreed, asserting the public had a right to hear the allegations in a public trial.
The BBC has contacted the Russian embassy in Angola for comment. The lawyer representing the convicted Russians declined to comment on the verdict but stated he disagreed with the ruling while accepting the court's decision.