An Angolan court has sentenced two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, to prison terms of eight and 11 years, respectively. The pair were found guilty of terrorism and espionage, with prosecutors alleging they orchestrated deadly protests and attempted to destabilize the government.
The charges stem from civil unrest that occurred in late July 2025, when a strike by minibus taxi drivers over rising fuel costs escalated into riots. Official reports indicate that 22 people died and over 1,600 were arrested during the period of violence. Authorities accused Lakshtanov and Ratchin of attempting to influence the upcoming presidential election by providing financial support to the opposition party, UNITA, or by maneuvering to force a leadership change within the ruling MPLA party.
Prosecutors further alleged that the men were associated with Africa Politology, a network described as a Russian disinformation entity linked to the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). Both defendants maintained their innocence throughout the trial, asserting that their presence in the country was strictly for business and cultural purposes.
Two Angolan citizens were also involved in the legal proceedings. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, a youth leader for UNITA, was acquitted. Both the prosecution and the Russian defendants have filed appeals, though Lakshtanov and Ratchin are expected to remain in custody pending the outcome of their challenge.
The case unfolds against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics in Africa, where Russia has expanded its military and political footprint in recent years. While Angola has historically maintained strong ties with Moscow dating back to the Cold War, the current administration under President João Lourenço has sought to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with Western nations.
Source: The Guardian
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