Florida jurors weigh evidence in trial of activists accused of aiding Russia in spreading political discord

Jurors in Florida will begin deliberations on Wednesday in the trial of four individuals accused of acting as Russian agents to sow political discord and interfere in U.S. elections. The defendants have ties to the African People’s Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement in Florida and St. Louis. Notable among them is Omali Yeshitela, an 82-year-old chairman of the U.S.-based organization focused on Black empowerment and reparations for slavery and past atrocities against Africans.
The other accused individuals include Penny Hess, Jesse Nevel, and Augustus C. Romain Jr., who previously belonged to the Uhuru Movement but later established his own organization in Atlanta. The trial, which was expected to last a month, concluded after a week of testimony.
During closing arguments, the prosecution claimed that the defendants knowingly collaborated with the Russian government, while the defense argued against this assertion, emphasizing that Yeshitela’s involvement was uncertain. The defense also highlighted that the defendants might not have been aware of the Russian ties of an individual they worked with.
If convicted, Yeshitela, Hess, and Nevel face up to 15 years in prison for conspiracy and failing to register as foreign agents, while Romain faces up to five years for a registration violation. Three Russians, including alleged intelligence agents, are also charged in the case, although they remain unapprehended.
While the prosecution accuses the group of Russian-directed actions to incite protests and influence U.S. policies, the defense argues that the defendants’ activities align with the principles of their organizations, rather than being influenced by Russia. The case, however, does not involve allegations pertaining to Russia’s 2016 election meddling, as clarified by U.S. District Judge William Jung. Yeshitela founded the African People’s Socialist Party in 1972 with a focus on Black empowerment and fighting colonialism worldwide.