Two Russians handed down jail terms for terrorism and spying in Angola

In the indictment, seen by the BBC, the authorities alleged that Ratchin and Lakshtanov were involved in a political influence operation linked to Africa Politology, which the Angolan authorities described as a Russian political network that emerged from the now-defunct Wagner mercenary group.

Two Angolans, sports journalist Amor Carlos Tomé and political activist Francisco Oliveira, were also on trial on similar charges for their alleged part in the Russian-linked influence operation, which they both denied.

They alleged the Russians paid local journalists and experts more than $24,000 (£18,000) to spread pro-Russian and anti-government content aimed at provoking political change in Angola.