'Russian Coup Plot' Trial to Open in Montenegro

What is being called the 'trial of the century' in Montenegro is scheduled to open on Wednesday as two opposition leaders face terrorism charges over their role in an alleged Russian-backed coup plot.

The two opposition leaders, Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic from the strongest opposition alliance, the Democratic Front, said they are facing a politically-motivated prosecution over the alleged attempt to overthrow the government on election day last October.

Both politicians are charged with "criminal association" with a view to "committing terrorist acts" and undermining the constitutional order, and face up to 15 years in jail if found guilty.

The prosecution has indicted 14 people, including two Russians charged with masterminding the coup attempt, allegedly aimed at preventing Montenegro from joining NATO.

Russian nationals Eduard Shishmakov and Vladimir Popov, who will be tried in absentia, have been indicted for various criminal offences, terrorism and acts against the constitutional order of Montenegro, a court statement said.

Mandic, one of the leaders of the Democratic Front, said the alleged plot was staged to discredit his party and denied any criminal wrongdoing.

The other indicted politician, Milan Knezevic, has claimed that the indictees are being sacrificed for political purposes.

"Now we can only ask about the jail term as we have already been convicted... This is a political indictment and a political process," Knezevic told reporters. 

"They decided to offer us as the gift on the altar of NATO integration," he added.

The trial on Wednesday, which is to continue on Thursday and Friday, will be broadcast live.

This is the first time that cameras have been allowed in courtrooms in...

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