The upcoming trial in Tampa, Florida involves four Americans accused of conspiring to act as illegal agents of the Russian government or as unregistered Russian agents. The defendants, associated with activist groups promoting Black power and self-determination for Black people, are accused of promoting Russian propaganda in the United States. Prosecutors claim that Russia sought to influence American politics by establishing a long-term relationship with the defendants and directing them to push Russian views through various channels. The defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, argue that their actions are protected under the First Amendment and that the U.S. government is criminalizing dissent. The trial is expected to last about four weeks and is seen as shedding light on Russia's efforts to influence U.S. elections and promote its geopolitical agenda by infiltrating and influencing social movements. The indictment alleges that a Russian man, Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov, engaged with the defendants for years, urging them to make pro-Russian statements and backing their unsuccessful political campaigns. The relationship between Russia and the defendants' organizations began after Ionov paid for one of the defendants to travel to Moscow, and he allegedly funded their protest activities in the U.S. The defendants deny acting at the direction and control of Russia, stating that their actions were consistent with their political views. They argue that the payments they received were donations backing their organizations' actions and not payment for actions on behalf of Russia. If convicted, the defendants could face maximum penalties ranging from five to ten years in prison. The trial is seen as offering insight into how Russia has sought to influence U.S. politics and social movements for decades.