Russian court sentences foreign nationals for planned bombing of courthouse

A court in southern Russia has sentenced two foreign nationals to lengthy prison terms after finding them guilty of plotting a terrorist attack, according to regional prosecutors.

The Stavropol Krai Prosecutor’s Office reported that the Southern District Military Court handed down sentences ranging from 17 to 18 years. Prosecutors said the court took their position into account, ordering that the first five years be served in prison, with the remainder in a strict-regime correctional colony, Caliber.Az cites. 

Each defendant was also fined 600,000 roubles ($6,500).

Investigators said the men were members of an organisation banned as a terrorist group in Russia and had joined it with the intent of carrying out crimes on its behalf. Acting under instructions from their handlers, they allegedly planned to bomb the Pyatigorsk City Court building.

Authorities said the suspects purchased components to assemble an improvised explosive device, but their plans were disrupted by law enforcement officers before the attack could be carried out.

The men were charged with multiple offenses, including participation in the activities of a terrorist organization, preparation to carry out an explosion, and preparation for the illegal use of explosives and improvised explosive devices.

By Sabina Mammadli