Two Russians sentenced to prison in Angola for involvement in coup plot and fuel price protests

A court in Angola convicted two men, Russian citizens, on charges of terrorism and espionage for supporting the demonstrations organized against the increase in fuel prices in the country last year, which resulted in death, and for planning a coup.

What happened?

It was claimed that Russian citizens Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were involved in this process during the events that started against the increase in fuel prices in 2025 and turned into violent protests in the country located in the south of Angola. The Angolan court sentenced the defendants for terrorism and espionage crimes on the grounds that they prepared a coup plan and supported the organization of demonstrations that resulted in death.

By court decision, Lakshtanov was sentenced to 8 years in prison and Ratchin to 11 years. The defendants denied the accusations, claiming that they were in Angola for cultural and commercial activities. The court did not accept these claims of the defendants and approved the sentence.

background

Protests that started in Angola against the increase in fuel prices in 2025 quickly spread to various parts of the country. The decisions taken by the government regarding the price increase caused widespread reaction among citizens experiencing economic difficulties. Many people lost their lives in clashes between security forces and demonstrators during the protests.

In this process, the Angolan government claimed that foreign elements also played a role in the country and that there was a foreign-backed plan behind the protests. It was stated that Russian citizens were also tried for allegedly being a part of this plan. In the source text, no detailed explanation or evidence was provided for these claims of the Angolan government.

Why is it important?

This case reveals the international dimension of the political and social tensions in Angola. The country's neighboring states and the international community are looking carefully at how such incidents are managed to maintain stability in Angola. Additionally, the trial of Russian citizens in Angola may lead to questions about the relations between the two countries.

While the sentences received by the defendants strengthen the Angolan government's claim that foreign elements are behind the protests, international human rights organizations may express concerns about the fair trial process. This situation may also bring about discussions about how the legal system in Angola is perceived in the international arena.

What do experts and parties say?

In the source text, no expert opinions or statements of the parties were included, other than the defendants' lawyers or the official statements of the Angolan government. While the defendants claimed that they were in Angola for cultural and commercial activities, the court did not accept these claims. Apart from this, no comments by international observers or human rights organizations regarding this case were included in the source text.

What to watch next?

It is important how the Angolan government will manage the reactions that may come from the international community following the sentences received by the defendants. It is also expected that more evidence will emerge regarding the accuracy of the claim that foreign elements are behind the protests in Angola.

Lawyers of the defendants may appeal against the decision. In this process, the compliance of the legal system in Angola with international standards may also come to the fore again. International human rights organizations will closely monitor whether the Angolan government fulfills its commitments to a fair trial process.