Montenegro jails 'Russian coup plot' leaders
A court docket in Montenegro has handed five-year jail phrases to 2 pro-Russian opposition politicians for making an attempt to topple the federal government in October 2016.
The court docket additionally discovered 12 others responsible together with two Russians - alleged GRU secret brokers - tried in absentia.
Prosecutors mentioned the plotters had Kremlin assist to assassinate the then-prime minister, Milo Djukanovic and block Nato accession.
Russia has known as the coup inquiry absurd.
Montenegro's opposition has persistently rejected the fees, alleging what it known as a "false-flag" operation to maintain Mr Djukanovic in energy. He's now the president.
In addition to the 2 opposition leaders, the defendants have been one other Montenegrin, 9 Serbs and the 2 Russians.
The Russians, Eduard Shishmakov and Vladimir Popov, bought the heaviest jail phrases - 12 and 15 years.
The opposition leaders jailed on Thursday are Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic - MPs within the Democratic Entrance Alliance.
Russia has condemned Montenegro's June 2017 accession to Nato.
Nato membership stays extremely controversial within the small Balkan nation, which grew to become impartial in 2006.
Serbia and Montenegro - each bombed by Nato planes within the 1999 Kosovo conflict - have been initially one nation after the break-up of Yugoslavia. At the moment there was Russian assist for the Yugoslav authorities.
What are the allegations?
Particular prosecutor Milivoje Katnic mentioned the plot concerned utilizing a sniper to kill pro-Western PM Milo Djukanovic. It was to occur on Montenegro's election day.
The plotters allegedly deliberate to interrupt into parliament and convey a pro-Russian authorities to energy.
Mr Katnic mentioned "Russian nationalists" have been concerned, however he didn't immediately accuse any aides to President Vladimir Putin.
After the arrests in October 2016, Mr Djukanovic mentioned round EUR125,000 ($140,000; PS108,000) had been discovered as a part of the alleged plot, together with uniforms.
Russia calls Montenegro's membership of Nato "damaging for the stability of the Balkans and Europe as a whole".
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