Americans in Tampa Tried for Treason

Four American activists aligned with the African People's Socialist Party will be tried for charges that they have acted as unregistered Russian agents.

The defendants are accused of forming a long-standing relationship with agents in Russia; allegedly, officials invited the activists to Russia and communicated with them online and through phone calls. In return, prosecutors allege, the Americans pushed Russian propaganda on their social media and radio channels. Their posts speak out against NATO and US backing of Ukraine, currently defending itself from Russia.

According to prosecutors, defendant Omali Yeshitela and three of his associates collaborated for eight years with Russian citizen Alexander Ionov. Ionov is head of the "Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia," a Moscow organization backed by the Russian government. Ionov, in turn, according to investigators, acted on the instructions of two FSB officers, Alexei Sukhodolov and Yegor Popov, who are also charged in the case.

Coverage in Russia from Izvestia and RT argued that this case is an example of the American government suppressing the free speech of its citizens. If convicted, the activists could face up to 15 years in prison.