The trial commenced in Florida for four activists associated with the African People’s Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement, accused of illegally acting as Russian agents to sow political discord and interfere in U.S. elections. Among the defendants is 82-year-old Omali Yeshitela, the chairman of the U.S.-based organization focused on Black empowerment and reparations for slavery.
The defense argued that while the group shared goals with a Russian organization, they were not under Russian government control. The defendants face charges of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and failing to register as foreign agents. Three Russians, including alleged intelligence agents, are also charged but remain at large.
