3 Americans sentenced to death in Congo over coup attempt
A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced three United States (US) citizens to death for their involvement in a failed coup attempt. The incident, which took place on May 19, saw armed men briefly occupy a presidential office before their leader, Christian Malanga, was killed by security forces. The Americans sentenced include Malanga's son Marcel and his friend Tyler Thompson from Utah.
Americans found guilty of criminal conspiracy, terrorism
The third American, Benjamin Zalman-Polun, was a business associate of the late Malanga. All three were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, terrorism and other charges. The verdict was announced live on television from Ndolo military prison near Kinshasa. During the trial, Marcel claimed that his father had threatened to kill him unless he participated in the coup attempt.
50 people on trial following failed coup
The Americans are among approximately 50 individuals, including citizens from the US, Britain, Canada, Belgium, and Congo, who are currently on trial following the failed coup. The proceedings began in July, and on Friday, a total of 37 defendants were awarded death sentences. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that embassy staff had attended the proceedings and would continue to monitor developments closely.
Families of the convicted Americans maintain their innocence
The families of the convicted Americans have maintained their innocence. Marcel's mother, Brittney Sawyer, claims that her son is innocent and that he was simply following his father. Six people were killed in the coup attempt headed by Malanga, a little-known opposition figure who attacked the presidential palace and a close supporter of President Felix Tshisekedi. Malanga was fatally shot while resisting arrest shortly after live-streaming the attack on social media, according to the Congolese army.
