An Angolan court has convicted two men of terrorism and espionage after prosecutors accused them of plotting a coup and stoking last summer's fatal protests over fuel price hikes.
Prosecutors allege the suspects were linked to Russian mercenary groups active across Africa that serve the Kremlin's commercial and strategic interests.
The accused deny the charges, say they were in Angola for cultural and business reasons, and plan to appeal the convictions.
An Angolan court on Tuesday found two men guilty of terrorism and espionage, saying prosecutors accused them of plotting a coup and helping to inflame last summer's deadly protests sparked by fuel price hikes.
Authorities allege the pair were affiliated with Russian mercenary groups that have operated across Africa to advance the Kremlin's commercial and strategic aims. Prosecutors say those links helped facilitate efforts to destabilize the country during a volatile period of street unrest.
The defendants deny the accusations, insisting they were in Angola only for cultural and business activities. Both said they will appeal the convictions.
Foreign private military contractors and mercenary groups have become an increasing focus of concern for many African states and international observers. The convictions underscore heightened scrutiny of outside actors accused of intervening in domestic politics and security affairs.
Note: Court documents and detailed sentencing information were not fully disclosed in the initial reports.
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